NL2Code: A Hybrid NLP and Model-Driven Framework for Automated Code Generation from Natural Language and UML

The process of converting natural language requirements and visual models into executable software code remains an ongoing challenge in software engineering. We developed an intelligent system that adopts Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) to generate code from natural language requirements and UML diagrams. It then applies advanced NLP techniques for natural language specification, such as tokenization, POS tagging, semantic analysis, and information extraction. This information can be transformed into computer language construct and design patterns with the help of MDE concepts. It generates code templates, skeleton code, and real code and incorporates key principles of software engineering and technological specializations. Case studies explain how the system can improve the software development lifecycle for a development company by automatically translating the natural language and the visual models into code. The system synthesized code with 92-95 % accuracy and 92-93 % completeness in three particular cases of use, proving the efficiency of the translation process of natural language requirements and UML diagrams into executable code. The present work enriches software engineering, NLP, as well as the integration of MDE, and code generation, reducing time consumption, manual efforts, and fast communication in the Software Development Process.