Comparison of general-purpose and domain-specific modeling languages in the IoT domain: A case study from the OMiLAB community

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a revolutionary concept that has rapidly transformed how we interact with technology and the world around us. In response to the inherent complexity and heterogeneity of the IoT domain, there has been a surge in the development of modeling languages and supporting platforms for developing IoT applications. Among the many modeling options available, one can distinguish between General-Purpose Modeling Languages (GPML) and Domain-Specific Modeling Languages (DSML). Each language has unique characteristics, offering distinct levels of abstraction and expressiveness crucial for effective IoT solution modeling. The challenge of selecting the most suitable language remains, with developers needing to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option carefully. This paper compares GPML and DSML regarding their characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks. By identifying key factors to consider when choosing a modeling language for IoT solutions, this research aims to provide valuable insights for a decision-making framework to help practitioners with this choice. To validate the findings and practical implications, a practical workshop was conducted. After creating a smart room scenario using the X-IoT DSML, the participants confirmed the advantages of DSML regarding user-friendliness, higher abstraction, improved communication, faster development, and the ability for non-experts to participate in the IoT application development process.