Modelling the Development and Deployment of Decentralized Applications in Ethereum Blockchain: A BPMN-Based Approach

Abstract

Decentralized Applications (DApps) have emerged as a new model for building massively scalable and profitable applications. A DApp is a software application that runs on a peer-to-peer blockchain network offering censorship resistance, resilience, and transparency that overcome the challenges of typical centralized architectures. Developing and deploying a DApp in a blockchain network is highly challenging. Developers need to initially decide if developing a DApp is justified, before considering different aspects of blockchain technology (e.g., cryptography, transactions, addresses, etc.). This adversity along with the plethora of previously published works highlight the need for new tools and methods for the development of blockchain-based applications. Throughout literature there is a lack of procedures that can guide practitioners on how to develop and deploy their own applications. This paper aims to address this research gap, by standardizing and modelling such processes, through the employment of the BPMN modelling technique. Initially, a DMN decision model is presented that can facilitate developers to determine whether developing a DApp is justified. Consequently, two BPMN models are introduced, namely the DApp development and the DApp deployment process models. The models can orchestrate new DApp initiatives and facilitate the developers’ communication and implementation transparency. We expect that they can serve as a roadmap for enhancing the decision-making in the act of developing a DApp and reducing the implementation time and cost. Finally, we further discuss how the models implement a DApp for the registration and verification of academic qualifications and how BPMN can constitute a powerful tool for the development of DApps.