My Experience with MDriven’s Bootcamp

My name is Martin Turyagyenda, and this is my experience participating in the MDriven Bootcamp. First, a bit about myself. I have been a developer since 2010, and I’ve worked with a wide range of technologies over the years. I’m familiar with traditional development that typically starts from the front-end, moves to the back-end, and then connects the two. However, learning MDriven through Bootcamp has been eye-opening. 

A New Perspective

Web and app development using modeling tools like MDriven Designer, based on UML and OCL, was a new and somewhat foreign concept. Fortunately, starting was easy because MDriven provides a convenient installation process (you can find the full installation guide here).

Following along with the tutorials was also straightforward, thanks to their well-organized, step-by-step approach. The tutorials guide you on how to start and train you on the thought process behind the app and web development using UML and OCL-based tools (the full Bootcamp guide is available here).

The Beginning: Bootcamp for Beginners

Bootcamp began simply. I was introduced to fundamental concepts such as relationships, ViewModels, OCL (Object Constraint Language), Action language, and web applications. This was a real eye-opener, showing a new perspective on how to approach application development.

Intermediate Stage: Deepening Understanding

At the intermediate stage, the foundational concepts from the beginner level are explored in greater depth, giving a more nuanced understanding of MDriven’s capabilities. I learned how to customize the web UI, implement different types of actions, and work with association classes, among other things. This stage allowed me to gain more control and creativity in my development process.

Advanced Stage: Mastering the Framework

The advanced stage introduced more complex topics like inheritance, state machines, authentication, adding graphs to applications, and working with MDriven Server. I also gained further experience in UI customization. The most important takeaway from this stage is to put the finishing touches on my applications – to ensure they are polished and ready for deployment.

After Bootcamp: Conclusion

Overall, the MDriven Bootcamp has equipped me with valuable skills, particularly in debugging and creating scalable applications. One of the most significant advantages was focusing on the model without worrying about making the database. This allows me to spot potential issues early in the design phase. The freedom to change the model without breaking the database is a huge plus. It makes the development process more fluid and efficient. 

Bootcamp has changed how I approach application development. I’m excited to continue leveraging these new tools and techniques in future projects.