A heuristic-based approach to code-smell detection

Encapsulation and data hiding are central tenets of the object oriented paradigm. Deciding what data and behaviour to form into a class and where to draw the line between its public and private details can make the difference between a class that is an understandable, flexible and reusable abstraction and one which is not. This decision is a difficult one and may easily result in poor encapsulation which can then have serious implications for a number of system qualities. It is often hard to identify such encapsulation problems within large software systems until they cause a maintenance problem (which is usually too late) and attempting to perform such analysis manually can also be tedious and error prone. Two of the common encapsulation problems that can arise as a consequence of this decomposition process are data classes and god classes. Typically, these two problems occur together – data classes are lacking in functionality that has typically been sucked into an over-complicated and domineering god class. This paper describes the architecture of a tool which automatically detects data and god classes that has been developed as a plug-in for the Eclipse IDE. The technique has been evaluated in a controlled study on two large open source systems which compare the tool results to similar work by Marinescu, who employs a metrics-based approach to detecting such features. The study provides some valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the two approache

A Generic Technique for Domain-Specific Visual Language Model Refactoring to Patterns

As the popularity of domain-specific visual languages (DSVLs) grows, concerns have arisen regarding quality assurance and evolvability of their meta-models and model instances. In this paper we address aspects of automated DSVL model instance modification for quality improvement based on refactoring specifications. We propose a graph transformation-based visual language approach for DSVL authors to specify the matching and discovery of DSVL “bad model smells” and the application of pattern-based solutions in a DSVL meta-tool. As an outcome, DSVL users are provided with pattern-based design evolution support as refactorings for their DSVL-based domain models

On the Value of Quality Attributes for Refactoring Model Transformations Using a Multi-Objective Algorithm

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/152454/1/QMOOD_for_ATL__Copy_.pd

A metrics definition framework for i*

Measuring is a central task in the any engineering discipline, and modelling is not an exception. The need for measuring properties over i* models arises in different contexts. We have analysed this need over i* models of organizations, projects, systems and architectures. As a result, we have proposed a framework which includes: (a) a metamodel of i* that defines the elements that build the model; (b) a framework for the definition of metrics; (c) a collection of metrics (currently under construction) of different nature built with the framework. In this work, we present these basic concepts and discuss the applicability of the approach.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Example-driven meta-model development

The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10270-013-0392-yThe intensive use of models in model-driven engineering (MDE) raises the need to develop meta-models with different aims, such as the construction of textual and visual modelling languages and the specification of source and target ends of model-to-model transformations. While domain experts have the knowledge about the concepts of the domain, they usually lack the skills to build meta-models. Moreover, meta-models typically need to be tailored according to their future usage and specific implementation platform, which demands knowledge available only to engineers with great expertise in specific MDE platforms. These issues hinder a wider adoption of MDE both by domain experts and software engineers. In order to alleviate this situation, we propose an interactive, iterative approach to meta-model construction, enabling the specification of example model fragments by domain experts, with the possibility of using informal drawing tools like Dia or yED. These fragments can be annotated with hints about the intention or needs for certain elements. A meta-model is then automatically induced, which can be refactored in an interactive way, and then compiled into an implementation meta-model using profiles and patterns for different platforms and purposes. Our approach includes the use of a virtual assistant, which provides suggestions for improving the meta-model based on well-known refactorings, and a validation mode, enabling the validation of the meta-model by means of examples.This work has been funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity with project “Go Lite” (TIN2011-24139), and by the R&D programme of Madrid Region with project “eMadrid” (S2009/TIC-1650)

Definition and uses of the i* metamodel

The clear definition of a metamodel can be considered helpful for any conceptual modeling approach, and the i* framework is not an exception. Agreeing on a metamodel for i* can be considered even more convenient than ever when we are aware of the different dialects and variations that the commu-nity proposed, and keep proposing, over the seminal i* definition. In this paper we present the revised version of the i* metamodel proposed by the GESSI re-search group at 2005 and we report some current contexts of use: 1) definition of a data interchange format; 2) definition of the inheritance construct; 3) defi-nition of a modularity construct; and 4) definition of a metrics framework.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Towards the systematic construction of domain-specific transformation languages

The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09195-2-13Proceedings of 10th European Conference, ECMFA 2014, Held as Part of STAF 2014, York, UK, July 21-25, 2014General-purpose transformation languages, like ATL or QVT, are the basis for model manipulation in Model-Driven Engineering (MDE). However, as MDE moves to more complex scenarios, there is the need for specialized transformation languages for activities like model merging, migration or aspect weaving, or for specific domains of wide use like UML. Such domain-specific transformation languages (DSTLs) encapsulate transformation knowledge within a language, enabling the reuse of recurrent solutions to transformation problems. Nowadays, many DSTLs are built in an ad-hoc manner, which requires a high development cost to achieve a full-featured implementation. Alternatively, they are realised by an embedding into general-purpose transformation or programming languages like ATL or Java. In this paper, we propose a framework for the systematic creation of DSTLs. First, we look into the characteristics of domain-specific transformation tools, deriving a categorization which is the basis of our framework. Then, we propose a domain-specific language to describe DSTLs, from which we derive a ready-to-run workbench which includes the abstract syntax, concrete syntax and translational semantics of the DSTL.This work has been funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity with project “Go Lite” (TIN2011-24139