Cross-Platform Application Development Using AXIOM as an Agile Model-Driven Approach

Abstract

The development and maintenance of cross-platform mobile applications is expensive. Two approaches for reducing this cost are model-driven engineering (MDE) and Agile development. In this paper, we present AXIOM, a model-driven approach for developing cross-platform mobile applications in ways that also support Agile principles. Our approach uses a domain specific language (DSL) for defining platform-independent models (PIM) of mobile applications. AXIOM defines a multi-phase, customizable transformation process to convert platform-independent models into native applications for target mobile platforms. Our approach could significantly reduce development time and cost while increasing the quality of mobile applications. A prototype tool has been developed to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach. The preliminary findings are promising and show significant gains in development productivity.