Delta modeling workflow

Abstract

In previous work we show how abstract delta modeling can be used to model product lines. The formalism assigns a functional meaning to features from a feature model and provides a novel mechanism for resolving implementation conflicts without code duplication or overspecification. But in the vast expressive space of delta modeling, it may not be clear to a developer how to create a product line from scratch. The formalism was descriptive rather than prescriptive. To that end, we propose a development workflow based directly on Abstract Delta Modeling. We show preservation of global unambiguity and completeness in the product lines resulting from this workflow. We also show that the workflow naturally supports concurrent development.

A modal logic for abstract delta modeling

“…The logic and proof techniques in this paper will be useful for proving properties of the Delta Modeling Workflow [8,9]. That was, in fact, partial motivation for the research in this paper.…”

“…It is generally the case that when a subfeature is implemented its superfeature is implemented as well. Axioms 4 and 5 are due to a property we assume the underlying deltoid to have, called non-interference [8], which states that commuting deltas cannot interfere with each others features. Axioms 6 to 10 are by design of the deltas a, b, c and bc.…”

“…This approach was taken in [8]. Furthermore, it is possible that different products may implement the exact same features.…”

“…We need a way to specify that a delta implements a specific feature or that a delta refrains from breaking an existing feature. We need a way to prove that if certain local guarantees are met, that specific global properties, such as product line completeness [8,9], are then guaranteed to hold.…”

HATS Abstract Behavioral Specification: The Architectural View

“…The workflow gives step-by-step instructions for development of a software product line from scratch, directing developers to satisfy local constraints (more formally given in [15]) to guarantee desirable properties for the whole product line. These properties are described in Sect.…”