Harmonica: A Framework for Semi-automated Design and Implementation of Blockchain Applications

TL;DR

Harmonica is a comprehensive framework that simplifies the design and implementation of blockchain applications by guiding technology selection, pattern application, and code generation based on user requirements.

Contribution

It introduces a novel framework integrating decision-making, configuration, and knowledge management to streamline blockchain application development.

Findings

Automates blockchain technology selection based on requirements

Generates code stubs and configurations automatically

Supports developers with a knowledge base for best practices

Abstract

Designing blockchain-based applications is a tedious task. Compared to traditional software engineering, software architects cannot rely on previous experiences or proven practices, often formalized as software patterns. Also, the selection of an adequate blockchain technology is difficult without deep knowledge of the technology. This paper introduces Harmonica, a framework for the design and implementation of a blockchain-based application. This framework is divided in three parts: a decision-making engine to recommend a blockchain technology and blockchain-based software patterns relying on requirements, a configurator to generate code stubs and configuration files, and a knowledge base to support those tools.