Defining and Comparing Software Architecture Description Languages

Architecture Description Languages [pdf]

I propose a clear definition and classification framework for Architecture Description Languages to resolve community confusion. By distinguishing ADLs from simulation and programming languages, I identify key properties like explicit modeling of components and connectors. This approach evaluates existing tools such as Darwin, Wright, and C2, highlighting their strengths and deficiencies to guide future research in software architecture.

"Software architectures shift the focus of developers from lines-of-code to coarser-grained architectural elements and their overall interconnection structure."