Integrating the Unified Modeling Language with an Architecture Description Language

This paper presents an approach to bring languages and tools for specification and validation of software architecture into wider use. This is achieved by integrating UML (Unified Modeling Language) with an Architecture Description Language (ADL). The integration will encompass the advantages of both languages. Specifically, it will provide UML with a theoretical foundation for architecture modeling which is currently lacking. Furthermore, it will provide benefits for both ADL and UML users: it will enable ADL users to utilize general-purpose UML tools, and will enable UML users to utilize ADL validation capabilities.