Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for developing and executing applications include using an extended version of the model-view-controller (MVC) paradigm. The techniques include a model for an application, the model including multiple model elements, at least one view for presenting data from the model, the view including multiple user interface (UI) elements, and at least one controller for manipulating the model and the view. The techniques also can include a structure for storing application data according to a predetermined structure for at least one storage area relating to the controller. The predetermined structure can include multiple context elements and directed relationships connecting the context elements, the directed relationships forming at least one cycle between the context elements. The techniques further can include and at least one binding between one of the UI elements and one of the context elements.