Generative Programming

Abstract

Abstract. This paper is about a paradigm shift from the current practice of manually searching for and adapting components and their manual assembly to Generative Programming, which is the automatic selection and assembly of components on demand. First, we argue that the current OO technology does not support reuse and configurability in an effective way. Then we show how a system family approach can aid in defining reusable components. Finally, we describe how to automate the assembly of components based on configuration knowledge. We compare this paradigm shift to the introduction of interchangeable parts and automated assembly lines in the automobile industry.We also illustrate the steps necessary to develop a product line using a simple example of a car product line. We present the feature model of the product line, develop a layered architecture for it, and automate the assembly of the components using a generator. We also discuss some design issues, applicability of the approach, and future development.

An ontology-based framework for domain-specific modeling

“…In Section 7.1 we present the TwoUse toolkit, implemented at the WeST institute 4 . In Section 7.2 we present the MOST workbench, implemented by BOC 5 .…”

“…Progressive verification (challenges (1), (4) Providing such alternative ways of designing domain models might improve productivity.…”

“…Suggestions and guidance facilitate the learning effort of a DSL. (challenge (4)) Domain analysis: The purpose of the domain analysis is to select and define the domain of focus and to collect relevant domain information and integrate it into a coherent domain model [4].…”

Model transformations and tool integration

“…Since as stated earlier, there is no consensus as to which is the best approach for model transformations -if indeed one approach will ever satisfactorily cover all possibilities -it seems prudent to build model transformation languages that are capable of being arbitrarily extended by the user. Converge allows compile time meta-programming [18] that is heavily influenced by that of Template Haskell [42]. As seen in the example on page 9, this allows arbitrary transformation approaches to be tried within a common framework, either separately or in conjunction with one another.…”

An agile model-driven method for involving end-users in DSL development

“…Another example is the systematic development approach of Strembeck and Zdun [12], which defines the set of activities to accomplish for DSL development and decision charts that illustrate different development decisions. Also, the best practices and lessons learned to develop DSLs proposed by Van Deursen et al [3], Spinellis [13], and Czarnecki et al [14].…”