Executable UML

Executable UML (xtUML or xUML) is both a software development method and a highly abstract software language. The language "combines a subset of the UML (Unified Modeling Language) graphical notation with executable semantics and timing rules." The Executable UML method is the successor to the Shlaer–Mellor method.

Executable UML models "can be run, tested, debugged, and measured for performance.", and can be compiled into a less abstract programming language to target a specific implementation. Executable UML supports model-driven architecture (MDA) through specification of platform-independent models, and the compilation of the platform-independent models into platform-specific models.

Executable UML is a higher level of abstraction than third-generation programming languages. This allows developers to develop at the level of abstraction of the application. The Executable UML aims for separation of concerns. This is supposed to increase ease of reuse and to lower the cost of software development. This also enables Executable UML domains to be cross-platform. That means it is not tied to any specific programming language, platform or technology.

Executable UML also allows for translation of platform-independent models (PIM) into platform-specific models (PSM). The Executable UML method enables valuing the model as intellectual property, since the model is a fully executable solution for the problem space.

...
Wikipedia