A study case for automatic code generation based on pre-conceptual schemas

Several software development methods are focused on increasing the quality of software applications. Many of such methods use CASE tools (Computer Aided Software Engineering). These tools provide the possibility to automatically generate source code from diagrams, usually UML diagrams (Unified Modeling Language), like class, sequence, and use case diagrams, among others. However, these tools are still far from generating a completely functional source code. Also, the diagrams used are difficult to understand by the stakeholder, which makes their validation difficult. In this paper, we present a case study for the automated generation of source code in the PHP 5. x programming language with XHTML and MySql as database management system based on the so-called pre-conceptual schemas, which are close to the stakeholder-thus facilitating their validation-due to their proximity to natural language. From this case study, we can infer that the source code generated is useful as an initial prototype for a computer application and the starting point can be closer to the stakeholder domain.