---
title: MAPE-K Loop
type: concept
tags: [self-adaptive, software-engineering, autonomic-computing, abps]
sources: ["[[sources/2025-elyasaf-self-modifying-abps]]"]
created: 2026-04-15
updated: 2026-04-15
---

# MAPE-K Loop

Canonical reference architecture for self-adaptive software systems introduced in IBM's Autonomic Computing blueprint (2006). Four activities over a shared Knowledge base:

- **Monitor** — observe the system and its environment via sensors.
- **Analyze** — interpret monitoring data to detect adaptation needs.
- **Plan** — choose adaptation actions.
- **Execute** — enact the actions via actuators.
- **K** — shared knowledge (goals, strategies, rules).

Adopted in [[sources/2025-elyasaf-self-modifying-abps]] as the conceptual model for **adaptation** (short-term, instance-level modification) in ABPSs. Evolution (long-term model-level change) sits outside the MAPE-K scope and instead draws on software-evolution methodology.

## Related
[[concepts/self-modification]] · [[concepts/abps-autonomy-levels]] · [[concepts/agent-process-observability]] (supplies Monitor/Analyze inputs)