Model-Based Scaffolding Code Generation for Cross-Platform Applications

Abstract

The use of web and mobile applications is growing very rapidly in modern era. Due to high end demand of such applications, the software stakeholders want the applications to be available on both mobile and web. In software industry this requires more effort to develop applications for both, mobile and web. Consequently, more resources with different technologies experts are needed for the development of multiplatform applications. The software engineers always look for time saving and robust methodology for good, quick and qualitative software development. This article presents model driven framework to generate scaffolding code for both mobile and web applications. The proposed framework is based on the Model Driven Architecture (MDA) principle i.e (Develop once and run everywhere). Particularly a UML based Domain Specific Modeling Language (DSML) is developed comprised several data types and stereotypes. As a part of research a complete open source transformation engine is developed to automatically generate scaffolding CRUD (Create, Read, Update and Delete) code for cross-platform applications from high level models like class diagram. The applicability of proposed framework is validated through two benchmark case studies (Auditing System and Pathology Lab Management System). The results prove that the proposed framework significantly simplifies the development for CRUD operations.