A Generic Language for Query and Viewtype Generation By-Example

In model-driven engineering, powerful query/view languages exist to compute result sets/views from underlying models. However, to use these languages effectively, one must understand the query/view language concepts as well as the underlying models and metamodels structures. Consequently, it is a challenge for domain experts to create queries/views due to the lack of knowledge about the computer-internal abstract representation of models and metamodels. To better support domain experts in the query/view creation, the goal of this paper is the presentation of a generic concept to specify queries/views on models without requiring deep knowledge on the realization of modeling languages. The proposed concept is agnostic to specific modeling languages and allows the query/view generation by-example with a simple mechanism for filtering model elements. Based on this generic concept, a generic query/view language is proposed that uses role-oriented modeling for its non-intrusive application for specific modeling languages. The proposed language is demonstrated based on the role-based single underlying model (RSUM) approach for AutomationML to create queries/views by-example, and subsequently, associated viewtypes to modify the result set or view

Evaluating Model Differencing for the Consistency Preservation of State-based Views

While developers and users of modern software systems usually only need to interact with a specific part of the system at a time, they are hindered by the ever-increasing complexity of the entire system. Views are projections of underlying models and can be employed to abstract from that complexity. When a view is modified, the changes must be propagated back into the underlying model without overriding simultaneous modifications. Hence, the view needs to provide a fine-grained sequence of changes to update the model minimally invasively. Such fine-grained changes are often unavailable for views that integrate with existing workflows and tools. To this end, model differencing approaches can be leveraged to compare two states of a view and derive an estimated change sequence. However, these model differencing approaches are not intended to operate with views, as their correctness is judged solely by comparing the input models. For views, the changes are derived from the view states, but the correctness depends on the underlying model. This work introduces a refined notion of correctness for change sequences in the context of model-view consistency. Furthermore, we evaluate state-of-the-art model differencing regarding model-view consistency. Our results show that model differencing largely performs very well. However, incorrect change sequences were derived for two common refactoring operation types, leading to an incorrect model state. These types can be easily reproduced and are likely to occur in practice. By considering our change sequence properties in the view type design, incorrect change sequences can be detected and semi-automatically repaired to prevent such incorrect model states

Konsistenzerhaltung von Feature-Modellen durch externe Sichten

Bei der Produktlinienentwicklung werden Software-Produktlinien(SPLs) meistens Featureorientiert strukturiert und organisiert. Um die gemeinsamen und variablen Merkmale der Produkte einer Produktlinie darzustellen, können Feature-Modelle verwendet werden. Ein Software-Werkzeug zum Erstellen und Editieren von Feature-Modellen ist FeatureIDE, welche die Zustände der Feature-Modelle als Dateien der Extensible Markup Language (XML) persistiert. Bei der Entwicklung von Software-Systemen existieren allerdings mehrere unterschiedliche Artefakte. Diese können sich Informationen mit den Feature-Modellen teilen. Um diese Artefakte und Modelle gemeinsam automatisch evolvieren zu können, werden Konsistenzerhaltungsansätze benötigt. Solche Ansätze sind jedoch nicht mit den persistierten XML-Dateien kompatibel. In dieser Arbeit implementieren wir eine bidirektionale Modell-zu-Text-Transformation, welche die als XML-Dateien persistierten Zustände der FeatureIDE-Modelle in geeignete Modellrepräsentationen überführt, um daraus feingranulare Änderungssequenzen abzuleiten. Diese können zur deltabasierten Konsistenzerhaltung verwendet werden. Für die Modellrepräsentation verwenden wir ein bestehendes Metamodell für Variabilität. Zur Ableitung der Änderungssequenzen wird ein existierendes Konsistenzerhaltungsframework eingesetzt. Wir validieren die Korrektheit der Transformation mithilfe von Round-Trip-Tests. Dabei zeigen wir, dass die in dieser Arbeit implementierte Transformation alle geteilten Informationen zwischen FeatureIDE und dem Variabilitäts-Metamodell korrekt transformiert. Zudem können mithilfe der in dieser Arbeit implementierten Transformation und mit dem verwendeten Konsistenzerhaltungsframework zu 94,44% korrekte feingranulare Änderungssequenzen aus den als XML-Datei persistierten Zuständen der FeatureIDE-Modelle abgeleitet werden

A Feature-based Survey of Model View Approaches

International audienceWhen dealing with complex systems, information is very often fragmented across many different models expressed within a variety of (modeling) languages. To provide the relevant information in an appropriate way to different kinds of stakeholders, (parts of) such models have to be combined and potentially revamped by focusing on concerns of particular interest for them. Thus, mechanisms to define and compute views over models are highly needed. Several approaches have already been proposed to provide (semi-)automated support for dealing with such model views. This paper provides a detailed overview of the current state-of-the-art in this area. To achieve this, we relied on our own experiences of designing and applying such solutions in order to conduct a literature review on this topic. As a result, we discuss the main capabilities of existing approaches and propose a corresponding research agenda. We notably contribute a feature model describing what we believe to be the most important characteristics of the support for views on models. We expect this work to be helpful to both current and potential future users and developers of model view techniques, as well as to any person generally interested in model-based software and systems engineering

A feature-based survey of model view approaches

When dealing with complex systems, information is very often fragmented across many different models expressed within a variety of (modeling) languages. To provide the relevant information in an appropriate way to different kinds of stakeholders, (parts of) such models have to be combined and potentially revamped by focusing on concerns of particular interest for them. Thus, mechanisms to define and compute views over models are highly needed. Several approaches have already been proposed to provide (semi)automated support for dealing with such model views. This paper provides a detailed overview of the current state of the art in this area. To achieve this, we relied on our own experiences of designing and applying such solutions in order to conduct a literature review on this topic. As a result, we discuss the main capabilities of existing approaches and propose a corresponding research agenda. We notably contribute a feature model describing what we believe to be the most important characteristics of the support for views on models. We expect this work to be helpful to both current and potential future users and developers of model view techniques, as well as to any person generally interested in model-based software and systems engineering