Software Mumbles and Grumbles

Code Generation 2007 in Cambridge, UK, recently concluded and it turned out to be an eminently successful inaugural event. The combined—for that matter, individual—expertise present was remarkable, and presented a tremendous opportunity for knowledge exchange. Among the many recognized experts present were: Alan Cameron-Wills from Microsoft, Andrew Watson from OMG, Krzysztof Czarnecki of the University of Waterloo, and of course, MetaCase’s own Juha-Pekka Tolvanen and Steven Kelly. Model-driven development (MDD) was the major topic—particularly domain-specific modeling (DSM) and general use modeling (e.g. UML). A good deal of time was spent discussing the divergent perspectives regarding terminology and definitions relating to these fields—with varying success. While agreement on certain terminology seemed somewhat allusive, the general consensus—with a few dissenters—seemed to be that UML is too bloated and generic to be effective as a modeling approach for code generation and that DSM is far more effective approach. This seemed to even be acknowledged by the UML camp, which now looks to be scrambling to reinvent itself as a starting point to create domain-specific languages (DSLs) from—the phrase “square peg, round hole” echoed through my head.

The presentations were all top quality, making it often difficult to decide between the concurrently running sessions. The wealth of MDD knowledge present at the event was impressive, not only from the presenters, but from the other delegates as well. The panel discussions, as expected, proved to be the liveliest sessions, as representatives from the various camps squared off with one another. With the success of this show, I’m fully confident that Code Generation 2008, already scheduled for June 25–28, 2008, will be another great event.