Software Factory Schema: Application Development Process

Summary

We have shown how the Software Factory schema forms the core of a Software Factory by tying all its components together. In the theoretical part of the chapter, you learned about model transformations and code generation. We applied this knowledge practically to create a DSL that allows us to model the SF schema and formally capture its content, followed by a simple example of how to generate XML from a model using Microsoft DSL Tools.

Our vision is that one day we will have a Software Factory for Software Factories. Such a toolkit would require a sophisticated Software Factory schema DSL. As we mentioned before, research in this area is going on, and we hope it won’t take too long until we get such a tool.

The Software Factory schema is not a technique set in stone. The current ideas will undergo an evolutionary process of improvement and refinement, as is typical for a new paradigm like the Software Factory schema. Ultimately, it is also up to you to take this as a starting point and bring in your own ideas when using other Software Factories or creating your own. If you are interested in contributing to our DSL examples, please visit us at the http://www.codeplex.com/ Wiki/View.aspx?ProjectName=ISpySoft web site.