This section provides a high level introduction to the MDA Transformation Pattern. If you are already familiar with this pattern then we suggest you continue reading with the OMG Enterprise Distributed Object Computing (EDOC) standard.

A fundamental concept of MDA is the Transformation Pattern that is used to transform from an abstract model to the next level of detail, for example from PIM to PSM or from PSM to code.

Transformations, also referred to as mappings, are performed in an automatic manner using generators. The MDA standard does not define how these generators should work, just the basic principles of automated model transformation. Different products that implement MDA are taking a number of approaches such as templates and patterns.

Depending on the transformation, and the specific generator technique being used, it may be necessary to supply additional data to help the generator to decide what to do. MDA does not define the way in which such additional data is defined. Approaches include marking the models and specifying transformation attributes.

Where to Go Next?

For detailed information about MDA and the Transformation Pattern please see the OMG MDA Web site, otherwise please continue to the next section that introduces the OMG Enterprise Distributed Object Computing (EDOC) standard and its key components Enterprise Collaboration Architecture (ECA) and Component Collaboration Architecture (CCA).