> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://aletyx.ai/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is the difference between DMN, DRL, and BPMN?

> How DMN, DRL, and BPMN differ: DMN models decisions visually, DRL authors rules as code, and BPMN orchestrates processes and workflows.

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.

## Where to go next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="What is DMN?" icon="diagram-project" href="/docs/faq/concepts/what-is-dmn">
    The OMG standard for modeling decisions visually.
  </Card>

  <Card title="What is DRL?" icon="code" href="/docs/faq/concepts/what-is-drl">
    Drools' native rule language for authoring complex inference.
  </Card>

  <Card title="What is BPMN?" icon="diagram-project" href="/docs/faq/concepts/what-is-bpmn">
    The OMG standard for modeling processes and workflows.
  </Card>

  <Card title="DMN" icon="table" href="/docs/architecture/decisions/dmn/overview">
    Build decisions with decision tables and FEEL expressions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="DRL" icon="code" href="/docs/drools/drl/overview">
    Author rules in Drools' text-based rule language.
  </Card>

  <Card title="BPMN Basics" icon="diagram-project" href="/docs/architecture/processes/basic-bpmn/overview">
    Orchestrate tasks, gateways, and events in a process.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>