Generating XML based specifications of information systems

This paper outlines a methodology for designing information systems based on XML. The methodology uses XML DTDs to define the design standards, and the structure and constraints of the design speci- fications. The result of the design process is a set of valid XML docu- ments that are the specifications of transaction programs and applica- tions of the information system. At the start of a design process, the methodology uses a CASE tool to map user requirements into initial XML specifications. Final design specifications are produced by a se- quence of XSL transformations of the initial XML specifications. A key feature of the methodology is that it produces a platform independent design of an information system. To enable an early feedback from us- ers, the methodology uses further XSL transformations that produce an executable prototype of the information system in the Java program- ming environment.