Abstract
M.Com. (Information Technology)
ADLOA is an Architecture Description Language (ADL) proposed to describe biologicallyinspired
complex adaptive architectures such as ontogenetic architectures. The need for an
ontogenetic ADL stems from the lack of support from existing ADLs.
This dissertation further investigates the similarities between existing intelligent architectures
and ontogenetic architectures. The research conducted on current ADLs, artificial ontogeny and
intelligent architectures reveals that there are similarities between ontogenetic architectures and
other intelligent architectures. However, the dynamism of artificial ontogeny indicates a lack
of support for architecture description.
Therefore, the dissertation proposes two core mechanisms to address ontogenetic architecture
description. Firstly, the ADLOA process is defined as a systematisation of artificial ontogeny.
The process specifies a uniform approach to defining ontogenetic architectures. Secondly, a
demonstration of the implemented ADLOA process is used, in conjunction with the ADLOA
model, mechanisms and Graphical User Interface (GUI), to present a workable description
environment for software architects.
The result of the dissertation is a standalone ADL that has the ability to describe ontogenetic
architectures and to produce language-dependent code frameworks using the Extensible
Markup Language (XML) and Microsoft Visual Studio platform.