Artur Boronat

Algebraic Specification of a Model Transformation Engine

In Model-Driven Engineering, a software development process is a sequence of manipulation tasks that are applied to models, where model transformations play a relevant role. MOMENT (MOdel manageMENT) is a framework that is integrated in the Eclipse platform. MOMENT provides a collection of generic set-oriented operators to manipulate EMF models. In this paper, we present the model transformation mechanism that is embodied by the ModelGen operator. This operator uses the term rewriting system Maude as transformation engine and provides support for traceability. ModelGen has been defined in an algebraic specification so that we can use formal tools to reason about transformation features, such as termination and confluence. Furthermore, its application to EMF models shows that formal methods can be applied to industrial modeling tools in an efficient way. Finally, we indicate how the ModelGen operator provides support for the QVT Relations language in the MOMENT Framework.

Formal Model Merging Applied to Class Diagram Integration

The integration of software artifacts is present in many scenarios of the Software Engineering field: object-oriented modeling, relational databases, XML schemas, ontologies, aspect-oriented programming, etc. In Model Management, software artifacts are viewed as models that can be manipulated by means of generic operators, which are specified independently of the context in which they are used. One of these operators is Merge, which enables the automated integration of models. Solutions for merging models that are achieved by applying this operator are more abstract and reusable than the ad-hoc solutions that are pervasive in many contexts of the Software Engineering field. In this paper, we present our automated approach for generic model merging from a practical standpoint, providing support for conflict resolution and traceability between software artifacts by using the QVT Relations language. We focus on the definition of our operator Merge, applying it to Class Diagrams integration.

Automatic support for traceability in a generic model management framework

In a MDA process, software artifacts are refined from the problem space (requirements) to the solution space (application). A model refinement involves the application of operators that perform tasks over models such as integrations and transformations, among others. We are working on a model management framework, called MOMENT (MOdel manageMENT), where model operators are defined independently of any metamodel in order to increase their reusability. This approach also increases the level of abstraction of solutions of this kind by working on models as first-class citizens, instead of working on the internal representation of a model at a programming level. In this context, traceability constitutes the mechanism to follow the transformations carried out over a model through several refinement steps. In this paper, we focus on the generic traceability support that the MOMENT framework provides. These capabilities allow the definition of generic complex operators that permit solving specific problems such as change propagation.

Data Reverse Engineering of Legacy Databases to Object Oriented Conceptual Schemas

Abstract This paper presents a solution and a methodology to recover legacy databases of most DBMS using formal-method based techniques. These formal methods (terms rewriting systems) are applied during the data reverse engineering process and allow for an automatic approach. This automatic approach reduces the time invested and the number of people involved in the data reverse engineering and data migration processes. This solution is being implemented in the RELS (Re-Engineering of Legacy Systems) tool. The RELS tool is under development in the Department of Information Systems and Computation of the Valencia University of Technology in collaboration with the industrial partner CARE-Technologies. RELS is used together with the model compiler Sosy Technology® of CARE-Technologies and provides a complete solution to the re-engineering proccess.

An algebraic specification of generic OCL queries within the eclipse modeling framework

In the Model-Driven Architecture initiative, software artefacts are represented by means of models that can be manipulated. Such manipulations can be performed by means of transformations and queries. The standard Query/Views/Transformations and the standard language OCL are becoming suitable languages for these purposes. This paper presents an algebraic specification of the operational semantics of part of the OCL 2.0 standard, focusing on queries. This algebraic specification of OCL can be used within the Eclipse Modeling Framework to represent models in an algebraic setting and to perform queries or transformations over software artefacts that can be represented as models: model instances, models, metamodels, etc. In addition, a prototype for executing such OCL queries and invariants over EMF models is presented. This prototype provides a compiler of the OCL standard language that targets an algebraic specification of OCL, which runs on the term rewriting system Maude.

An Algebraic Baseline for Automatic Transformations in MDA

Software evolution can be supported at two levels: models and programs. The model-based software development approach allows the application of a more abstract process of software evolution, in accordance with the OMGs MDA initiative. We describe a framework for model management, called MOMENT, that supports automatic formal model transformations in MDA. Our model transformation approach is based on the algebraic specification of models and benefits from mature term rewriting system technology to perform model transformation using rewriting logic. In this paper, we present how we apply this formal transformation mechanism between platformindependent models, such as UML models and relational schemas. Our approach enhances the integration between formal environments and industrial technologies such as .NET technology, and exploits the best features of both.

Exogenous Model Merging by means of Model Management Operators

In Model-Driven Engineering, model merging plays a relevant role in the maintenance and evolution of model-based software. Depending on the amount of metamodels involved in a model merging process, we can classify model merging techniques in two categories: endogenous merging, when all the models to be merged conform to the same metamodel; and exogenous merging, when the models to be merged conform to different metamodels. MOMENT (MOdel manageMENT) is a framework that is integrated in the Eclipse platform, and provides a collection of generic set-oriented operators to manipulate MOF models, following the Model Management discipline. In this paper, we study how model transformations are useful in a model merging process and we provide a solution for both kinds of model merging by means of model management operators and the QVT Relations language.

Automatic model generation in model management

Model management aims at solving problems that stem from model representation and its manipulation by considering models as first-class citizens that are manipulated by means of generic operators. MOMENT is a prototype that supports generic model management using an algebraic approach within the four-layered metamodeling culture of MOF [1]. In this paper, we focus on the automatic generation of schemas that belong to different metamodels, using a term-rewriting system approach. We present the type system of the algebra that we use to represent models in the MOMENT prototype, and we describe our generic operator that automatically translates schemas between different metamodels: the operator generate. This algebra has been implemented using the functional language F#, which allows us to validate the correctness of our approach.