Large language models in model-driven engineering: a systematic mapping study

Journal article, 2027

The application of Large Language Models (LLMs) in Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) has emerged as a rapidly evolving research area. While existing systematic literature reviews have examined specific technical approaches, a comprehensive mapping of the broader research landscape (e.g., development trends) remains lacking. This study presents a systematic mapping study of LLM applications in MDE, analyzing 86 primary studies collected from five databases, covering publications from 2022 to early 2026. Guided by five research questions, we characterize the field across five dimensions: MDE task distribution and research contribution types, LLM technologies and interaction strategies, artifact representation and processing, validation practices, and publication landscape. Our findings reveal that current LLM4MDE research is heavily concentrated on Model Generation, while tasks such as Model Migration, DSL Engineering, and Metamodeling remain marginal. Most approaches rely on black-box OpenAI models accessed via remote APIs and adapted through prompt engineering, with fine-tuning and retrieval-augmented generation rarely employed. Inputs are predominantly natural-language artifacts, while outputs are model-oriented but usually expressed in lightweight textual formats rather than native MDE exchange formats. Validation is centered on quantitative experimentation, with 42% of studies reporting no baseline and cost efficiency reported in fewer than one quarter of studies. The field has grown rapidly, from one paper in 2022 to 42 in 2025, with research concentrated in Europe and Canada and limited industry involvement. Based on these findings, we identify gaps and opportunities across task coverage, technical configuration, and evaluation practice, offering a knowledge map to guide future work in this cross-disciplinary field.