From archetypes based domain model via requirements to software: Exemplified by LIMS Software Factory

The Archetypes Based Development (ABD) proceeds from archetypes based domain model via requirements to software. We give an overview of ABD and exemplify its application on Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) Software Factory development. ABD is guided by Zachman Framework and utilizes software engineering triptych together with archetypes and archetype patterns. For modelling of domains the Test Driven Modelling (TDM) techniques are used. TDM utilizes test driven development techniques in domain engineering. The resultant domain models serve as the Domain Specific Language for prescribing requirements. Implementation and testing of the LIMS Software Factory proves feasibility of archetypes based techniques in real life systems. ABD helps developers to better understand business requirements, to design cost effective enterprise applications through systematic reuse of archetypal components, as well as to validate and verify requirements resulting in higher quality software.