Architecture: Description Languages

Abstract

Architecture Description Languages (ADLs) rigorously specify various aspects of software architectures. They have formally defined syntax and semantics and are often accompanied by an array of supporting tools. This entry introduces a classification of ADLs as well as examples of each category. Many research groups have developed numerous ADLs over the years, but only few have gained acceptance by a majority of software practitioners. Due to their experimental nature, it is not meaningful to discuss every ADL that has ever been created. Rather, this entry focuses on developing a systematic way of classifying ADLs and identifying any discernible trends in the ADL community.