ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Reference model

When we think of building things, like toys or furniture, we often use blueprints or instructions to make sure we do it correctly. A reference model is like a blueprint or instructions for building computer systems.

It helps computer engineers or programmers to design and build systems that work well together. Just like how a blueprint shows where the walls, windows, and doors should go in a house, a reference model shows how different parts of a computer system should communicate with each other.

The reference model also helps to make sure that different computer systems can work together. It's like making sure that different brands of building blocks or toys can fit together and play nicely.

Overall, a reference model is important because it helps make sure that computer systems are designed and built in an organized way, which makes them more efficient, effective, and easier to use.