XML Process Definition Language

Intro

XML Process Definition Language (XPDL) is a WfMC standard format for interchanging business process definitions between modeling tools. Before BPMN 2.0 XML (2011), XPDL was the common exchange format.

Key points:

• Enables vendor‑neutral portability of process models.
• Bridges modeling tools and execution suites.
• Common use cases across EA/BPM/Data/App/Tech include migration between tools and archival of models.
• Pitfall: incompatibilities if tool extensions are not supported.

Examples:

• Exporting a process model from one tool and importing to another.
• Archiving models as XPDL for long‑term reference.
• Interchanging workflow definitions with legacy suites.

In practice:

Prefer BPMN 2.0 XML for modern tools; use XPDL for interoperability with legacy repositories.

Related terms: BPMN; Process Modeling; Workflow

FAQs:

Q: Is XPDL still used?
A: Yes, mainly for legacy interoperability.

Q: Does XPDL define execution semantics?
A: No; it defines model interchange, not execution behavior.

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