MDL (METHODOLOGY DEFINITION LANGUAGE) - A LANGUAGE FOR DEFINING AND AUTOMATING SOFTWARE-DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES

Abstract

This paper discusses a Methodology Definition Language that can be used to define the software development method. Together with the support of the language processor called the environment generating system, this language can be used to define a specially tailored method for any particular software development process and generate a computer-guided environment for the method defined. The syntax of the language is defined using the BNF grammar, and the semantics of the language is defined by an executable language (a command language). A prototype system of this language has been implemented under the VAX/VMS system. Experiences using this prototype to exercise methodologies show that the approach is very versatile and may improve the quality of development process.