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They are different modeling languages for different jobs:
  • DMN (Decision Model and Notation) — an OMG standard for modeling decisions visually, using decision tables and boxed expressions (FEEL). It is portable, business-friendly, and vendor-neutral.
  • DRL (Drools Rule Language) — Drools’ native rule language for authoring rules in a text/code form. It is more expressive and powerful than DMN for complex inference, but specific to Drools.
  • BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) — an OMG standard for modeling processes and workflows: the sequence of tasks, gateways, and events that orchestrate work over time.
A simple way to remember it: DMN and DRL decide what the answer is; BPMN orchestrates when and in what order work happens. DMN and DRL model decisions (one standards-based, one Drools-native), while BPMN models the surrounding process.

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Where to go next

What is DMN?

The OMG standard for modeling decisions visually.

What is DRL?

Drools’ native rule language for authoring complex inference.

What is BPMN?

The OMG standard for modeling processes and workflows.

DMN

Build decisions with decision tables and FEEL expressions.

DRL

Author rules in Drools’ text-based rule language.

BPMN Basics

Orchestrate tasks, gateways, and events in a process.