This paper gives a short overview of model-driven development - an approach to software development in which high-level models play a fundamental role. First, the problems that plague current programming approaches are analyzed. This is followed by a short description of the essential features of model-driven development and the potential benefits that it can bring. The results achieved in industrial practice are reviewed briefly, followed by an analysis of current impediments towards greater levels of adoption of this approach and what needs to be done about to overcome them.