Overview of MDA Modeler templates

What is an MDA Modeler template?

The MDA Modeler template technique is a technology patented by Objecteering Software. This technique allows developers to write code, generate documents or produce diagrams in a highly efficient and maintainable manner, without writing a single line of code and without having to know the UML metamodel.

The use of templates is generally considered a sound practice in software development circles, as the resulting documentation, code or diagram is systematically clear and coherent.

Templates are developed and tested using MDA Modeler, and deployed and used on elements in Objecteering Modeler.

Four types of MDA Modeler template exist:

· Diagram templates to create UML 1.4 diagrams or UML 2.0 diagrams

· Documentation templates

· DocBook documentation templates

· Code templates

Each of these template types will be discussed in the sections which follow in the current chapter of this user guide.

Working with templates

The sections in the current chapter of this user guide describe the following features:

· Running templates

· Running templates using J scripts

· General principles of template design

· Using filters

· Inserting J code

· Referencing nodes

· Building UML 1.4 and UML 2.0 diagram templates

· Building documentation templates

· Building DocBook documentation templates

· Building code templates