A domain model is a visual representation of a problem in software engineering, breaking it down into component parts. Flowcharts are a good representation. It defines key concepts and vocabulary and links classes logically, leading to clearer and more concise code.
A domain model is a schematic overview of a specific problem used in the fields of software engineering and conceptual problem solving. The purpose of this model is to break down a specific problem into its component parts, creating a visual representation of how a specific process operates. Through the use of domain models, software engineers can ensure that they understand all elements of a problem before starting to code a solution or implement it in software, saving time, expense and effort in completing the overall project.
A flowchart is a good representation of a domain model, as it shows how the different entities involved in a particular problem intersect with each other. In a flowchart, all the different pieces of a puzzle are connected to each other in a logical way. For example, in the context of an insurance arrangement, while both the originally covered individual and his or her children would all fall into the “insured” category, the children would also fall into a subset of the “insured” class: “dependents.” Building these relationships visually can improve communication about a project, helping everyone involved stay on the same page.
Establishing the key concepts and unique vocabulary of a specific problem is one of the first steps towards generating a domain model. After listing the different classes and subclasses involved, such as “employee”, “insured” and “insurance plan”, creating a domain model requires the modeler to link those classes in a logical order, showing how they interact with each other on a regular basis. For example, “dependents” will rarely interact directly with the insurance company; all of an employee’s interactions will proceed through one intermediary, the original policyholder. For this reason, the class ‘dependents’ will be linked to ‘insured’ and the class ‘insured’ will be linked to ‘insurance plan’, with no direct link between ‘dependents’ and ‘insurance plan’.
The main advantage of a domain model is that it clearly defines and encapsulates a problem, leaving nothing out. By doing this level of thorough planning before actually starting coding a project, the problem often becomes easier to solve, leading to clearer and more concise code. Without a domain model, repetitive code and inefficient arrangement of classes and routines can occur. Just like trying to write a complex document without a clear outline beforehand, things are drastically simplified with a good work plan.
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