Feasibility of Flexible Information Modelling Support

Abstract

The necessity of CASE tools for system development is beyond dispute. The current generation of CASE tools, however, is too inflexible to provide adequate modelling support. One of the proposed solutions to this problem is the development of so-called CASE-shells . A CASE shell is a method independent CASE tool, which may be instantiated with a specific method to become a CASE tool supporting that method. As such, a CASE shell provides complete flexibility. This paper does not address the benefits of CASE shells, as they are completely clear, but focuses on the feasibility of this concept from a theoretical as well as a practical point of view. 1 Introduction CASE tools are currently considered to be an indispensable part of the systems engineer 's toolkit. Justification of CASE tools is no longer subject of debate. and [Flo86]). Naturally, the range of the required facilities should be thoroughly understood before using automated tools, see also [BS87]. In this reference an environme..