Graphical development tool for software application development

摘要

A method of using a graphical development tool to assemble a software application is disclosed. The method uses a common code base. A declarative data description language is then used to describe data and messages used by the application. A library of system components is also provided and includes a device abstraction layer which maps interactions between devices and the application. A further abstraction layer is provided for mapping interactions between the host and the application. A graphical tool is used to model the workflow of the application including screens and services and then to assemble the application using the rules and customizations of the system components from the library. In use the graphical tool makes use of drag and drop. Messages, data, screens and services may be described using an XML schema. In a particular embodiment the system is used to develop an air passenger check-in client.