Characterization of Adaptable Interpreted-DSML

Abstract

Abstract. One of the main goals of model-driven engineering (MDE) is the manipulation of models as exclusive software artifacts. Model execution is in particular a means to substitute models for code. More precisely, as models of a dedicated domain-specific modeling language (DSML) are interpreted through an execution engine, such a DSML is called interpreted-DSML (i-DSML for short). On another way, MDE is a promising discipline for building adaptable systems based on models at runtime. When the model is directly executed, the system becomes the model: This is the model that is adapted. In this paper, we propose a characterization of adaptable i-DSML where a single model is executed and directly adapted at runtime. If model execution only modifies the dynamical elements of the model, we show that the adaptation can modify each part of the model and that the execution and adaptation semantics can be changed at runtime.

A Family-Based Framework for i-DSML Adaptation

“…Then, questions about its possible adaptations are raised. Model execution and i-DSML have been widely studied, for instance in [3,4,6,8,9,12]. All these works establish a consensus on model execution.…”

“…All these works establish a consensus on model execution. Accordingly, in this section, the PDL i-DSML is described following the characterization of [6]. Fig.…”

“…Still following the characterization of [6], an i-DSML is extended following two ways for becoming adaptable. First, the metamodel is extended with elements dedicated to the adaptation and second, an adaptation semantics is associated with the metamodel and implemented by the execution engine so that it is turned into an adaptation engine.…”

“…However, in many cases, restricting the possible models solely by addition of OCL invariants is sufficient to define adaptation policies. As an example, in [6], we study the adaptation of basic UML state machines in case of unexpected events. With a general state machine, no adaptation decision can be taken.…”

“…1), the model is directly self-interrogating for managing its own adaptation. Such adaptable and executable models are written in an adaptable i-DSML [5,6].…”