The numerical method of Discontinuous Deformation Analysis (DDA) was newly developed in 1980s. The mathematical principles are based upon the total potential energy which is similar to the Finite Element Method (FEM). However, DDA is capable of calculating discontinuous displacements (including separation, deformation, translation, and rotation) between elements. The author has been working on the applications and development of the DDA method for many years. It is believed that the method has a great potential in geotechnical engineering analysis, especially in the numerical simulation with large displacements and translations. This paper introduces DDA, the basic mathematical principles, and presents applications in the analysis of rockfalls and slope stability problems.