Model-driven Construction of Workflow-based Web Applications with Domain-specific Languages

The requirements for Web applications concerning workflow execution, interaction, aesthetics, federation and Web service integration are steadily increasing. Considering their complexity, the development of these “rich workflow-based Web applications” requires a systematic approach taking key factors like strong user involvement and clear business objectives into account. To this end, we present an approach for the model-driven construction and evolution of such Web applications on the basis of workflow models which is founded on Domain-specific Languages (DSLs) and a supporting technical framework. We describe our approach’s core DSL for workflow modeling which supports various modeling notations like BPMN or Petri nets and outline a set of DSLs used for designing workflow activities like dialog construction, data presentation and Web service communication. In conclusion, rich workflow-based Web applications can be built by modeling workflows and activities and passing them to the associated technical framework. The resulting running prototype can then be configured in detail using the presented DSLs.