Ch 5.4-5.5 – Discussion Questions

  1. Why is model-driven architecture not “mainstream” in software development?
  2. What are the differences between MDE and MDA?
  3. How does one categorize states into super states in a state/event based model? Are there any constraints for that?
  4. When to use data flow diagrams (DFDs) vs UML Sequence diagrams?
  5. Does the development of activity and sequence diagrams equal the development of the behavioral models? 
  6. In what cases would the development of models be preferred to the development of programs in software development?
  7. How does software end up being produced in an MDE process if models are the principal outputs of development?
  8. What is the difference between model-driven engineering and model-driven architecture?
  9. How do we decide whether to choose data-flow diagrams or UML sequence diagrams to show sequential data processing in a model? Is there a method or is it a matter of personal preference?
  10. I’m not quite sure about the computational independent model (CIM), platform-independent model (PIM), and platform-specific model (PSM). Could we discuss this further in class, maybe provide a few examples, to better understand the terms?
  11. What are “domain abstractions”?
  12. How commonly used are automatic coding tools like those that translate between a PSM and executable code?
  13. How could we implement one of these models into the work we are doing for this class?
  14. How does an MDA work?
  15. Of all of the MDA methods, which one is used most frequently and why?
  16. What are common issues with the implementation of MDA models?
  17. Discuss the importance of state diagrams in the process of software development. 
  18. Describe the usages of behavioral models in the execution of the dynamic behavior of the executing system.
  19. Even if hierarchy is obvious, would you include a hierarchy diagram? Why?
  20. Would it make sense to, if there are very many states, to separate the pieces of a state diagram?
  21. Are model-driven engineering or architectures still in use? In which situations would they be most appropriate or useful nowadays?
  22. Do you think there will ever be a situation in this course where you recommend using model-driven engineering?
  23. How are activity diagrams different from state diagrams?
  24. Why is a model-driven architecture not a major approach in software development?
  25. Under what circumstances MDA is the most effective option?
  26. What do data-driven models show?
  27. What are the main differences between MDE and MSA? Could you give specific examples?
  28. Could you give an example sequence of software development that employs the models we have just learnt? (Maybe not with the MDE principle, but with the agile principle and incorporating the models).
  29. Which behavioral model is more relevant for each type of group?
  30. How might model-driven engineering be used in the real world?
  31. How do we quickly determine whether to use data-driven or event driven modeling?
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