LMSGENERATOR: The contribution of XML technology and model transformations

Abstract

The generative engineering is revolutionizing software development just as automation and componentization revolutionized manufacturing. Key technologies for the development of this approach are the model transformations and XML technologies. In this paper we show the contribution of these two techniques in the implementation of a learning management system generator which is multi-target and adaptable to different runtime environment, that we named LMSGENERATEUR. Our innovation introduces the basics of a new programming approach of virtual learning environments. This approach is based on generative programming that integrates the user specifications (abstract models) and technologies desired in order to produce bricks software, then put them together to produce a solution adapted to area and users' needs. In this paper, we present our approach, the implementation of our approach: LMSGENERATOR and these two phases of generation based on transformation model and abstract XML descriptions and we promote the idea that using this approach based on open business models, adaptable, and scalable to obtain open learning environments, adaptable, and scalable. Specifically, thanks to the generative programming, new technologies or new needs can be easily integrated at any time simply by changing the generators and their transformation rule.