Configurable importers and resource writers for converting data into another format

The present invention provides a component-based tool for converting a data source from a first format into a second format. Specifically, the present invention includes reusable importer and resource writer components. Each importer component is designed to import all or a portion of a data source of a particular first data type and convert this data source from the first data type into an intermediate data type. A resource writer component may then convert the data source in the intermediate data type into an application artifact in the specific second data format that corresponds to the resource writer. Furthermore, a framework may be included within which the appropriate importer and resource writer may be stored and/or chosen from a plurality of importers and resource writers for performing a required conversion.