# Systematic Mapping Study of Template-based Code Generation

## TL;DR

This systematic mapping study analyzes 15 years of research on template-based code generation, highlighting its integration with model-driven engineering, diverse applications, and industry adoption.

## Contribution

It classifies TBCG techniques, identifies research trends, and assesses the role of MDE in advancing code synthesis methods.

## Key findings

- TBCG has been diversely used over the past 15 years.
- It benefits significantly from model-driven engineering approaches.
- Both MDE and non-MDE tools are increasingly adopted in industry.

## Abstract

Template-based code generation (TBCG) is a synthesis technique that produces code from high-level specifications, called templates. TBCG is a popular technique in model-driven engineering (MDE) given that they both emphasize abstraction and automation. Given the diversity of tools and approaches, it is necessary to classify existing TBCG techniques to better guide developers in their choices. The goal of this article is to better understand the characteristics of TBCG techniques and associated tools, identify research trends, and assess the importance of the role of MDE in this code synthesis approach. We conducted a systematic mapping study of the literature to paint an interesting picture about the trends and uses of TBCG. Our study shows that the community has been diversely using TBCG over the past 15 years. TBCG has greatly benefited from MDE. It has favored a template style that is output-based and high level modeling languages as input. TBCG is mainly used to generate source code and has been applied in a variety of domains. Furthermore, both MDE and non-MDE tools are becoming effective development resources in industry.