Mark Richters

USE: A UML-based specification environment for validating UML and OCL

The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is accepted today as an important standard for developing software. UML tools however provide little support for validating and checking models in early development phases. There is also no substantial support for the Object Constraint Language (OCL). We present an approach for the validation of UML models and OCL constraints based on animation and certification. The USE tool (UML-based Specification Environment) supports analysts, designers and developers in executing UML models and checking OCL constraints and thus enables them to employ model-driven techniques for software production.

Validating UML and OCL models in USE by automatic snapshot generation

We study the testing and certification of UML and OCL models as supported by the validation tool USE. We extend the available USE features by introducing a language for defining properties of desired snapshots and by showing how such snapshots are generated. Within the approach, it is possible to treat test cases and validation cases. Test cases show that snapshots having desired properties can be constructed. Validation cases show that given properties are consequences of the original UML and OCL model.

On Formalizing the UML Object Constraint Language OCL

We present a formal semantics for the Object Constraint Language (OCL) which is part of the Unified Modeling Language (UML) – an emerging standard language and notation for object-oriented analysis and design. In context of information systems modeling, UML class diagrams can be utilized for describing the overall structure, whereas additional integrity constraints and queries are specified with OCL expressions. By using OCL, constraints and queries can be specified in a formal yet comprehensible way. However, the OCL itself is currently defined only in a semi-formal way. Thus the semantics of constraints is in general not precisely defined. Our approach gives precise meaning to OCL concepts and to some central aspects of UML class models. A formal semantics facilitates verification, validation and simulation of models and helps to improve the quality of models and software designs.

Validating UML models and OCL constraints

The UML has been widely accepted as a standard for modeling software systems and is supported by a great number of CASE tools. However, UML tools often provide only little support for validating models early during the design stage. Also, there is generally no substantial support for constraints written in the Object Constraint Language (OCL). We present an approach for the validation of UML models and OCL constraints that is based on animation. The USE tool (UML-based Specification Environment) supports developers in this process. It has an animator for simulating UML models and an OCL interpreter for constraint checking. Snapshots of a running system can be created, inspected, and checked for conformance with the model. As a special case study, we have applied the tool to parts of the UML 1.3 metamodel and its well-formedness rules. The tool enabled a thorough and systematic check of the OCL well-formedness rules in the UML standard.

OCL: Syntax, Semantics, and Tools

The Object Constraint Language OCL allows to formally specify constraints on a UML model. We present a formal syntax and semantics for OCL based on set theory including expressions, invariants and pre- and postconditions. A formal foundation for OCL makes the meaning of constraints precise and helps to eliminate ambiguities and inconsistencies. A precise language definition is also a prerequisite for implementing CASE tools providing enhanced support for UML models and OCL constraints. We give a survey of some OCL tools and discuss one of the tools in some more detail. The design and implementation of the USE tool supporting the validation of UML models and OCL constraints is based on the formal approach presented in this paper.

Expressing UML Class Diagrams Properties with OCL

The Unified Modeling Language UML is a complex language offering many modeling features. Especially the description of static structures with class diagrams is supported by a rich set of primitives. This paper shows how to transfrom UML class diagrams involving cardinality constraints, qualifiers, association classes, aggregations, compositions, and generalizations into equivalent UML class diagrams employing only binary associations and OCL constraints. Thus we provide a better understanding of UML features. By reducing more complex features in terms of basic ones, we suggest an easy way users can gradually extend the set of UML elements they commonly apply in the modeling process.

Validation of UML and OCL Models by Automatic Snapshot Generation

We study the testing and certification of UML and OCL models as supported by the validation tool USE. We extend the available USE features by introducing a language for defining properties of desired snapshots and by showing how such snapshots are generated. Within the approach, it is possible to treat test cases and validation cases. Test cases show that snapshots having desired properties can be constructed. Validation cases show that given properties are consequences of the original UML and OCL model.

A metamodel for OCL

The Object Constraint Language (OCL) allows the extension of UML models with constraints in a formal way. While the UML itself is defined by following a metamodeling approach, there is currently no equivalent definition for the OCL. We propose a metamodel for OCL that fills this gap. The benefit of a metamodel for OCL is that it precisely defines the syntax of all OCL concepts like types, expressions, and values in an abstract way and by means of UML features. Thus, all legal OCL expressions can be systematically derived and instantiated from the metamodel. We also show that our metamodel smoothly integrates with the UML metamodel. The focus of this work lies on the syntax of OCL; the metamodel does not include a definition of the semantics of constraints.

On Constraints and Queries in UML

The UML has recently been extended by an Object Constraint Language (OCL). This formal language can be used for specifying constraints on a model in order to restrict possible system states. We present some examples for illustrating main concepts of OCL. Problems with the current definition of OCL resulting from imprecise or ambiguous definitions are investigated. A comparison of OCL with a language for specification of queries and integrity constraints in an Extended Entity-Relationship model shows similarities between both approaches. This comparison could lead to a better understanding of OCL.

Transformation Rules for UML Class Diagrams

UML is a complex language with many modeling features. In particular, the modeling of static structures with class diagrams is supported by a rich set of description primitives. We show how to transform UML class diagrams involving cardinality constraints, qualifiers, association classes, aggregations, compositions, and generalizations into equivalent UML dass diagrams employing only n-ary associations and GCL constraints. This provides a better understanding of UML features. By explaining more complex features in terms of basic ones, we suggest an easy way users can gradually extend the set of UML elements they commonly apply in the modeling process.