Meta-modelling and graph grammars for multi-paradigm modelling in AToM3

Abstract

This paper presents the combined use of meta-modelling and graph grammars for the generation of visual modelling tools for simulation formalisms. In meta-modelling, formalisms are described at a metalevel. This information is used by a meta-model processor to generate modelling tools for the described formalisms. We combine meta-modelling with graph grammars to extend the model manipulation capabilities of the generated modelling tools: edit, simulate, transform into another formalism, optimize and generate code. We store all (meta-)models as graphs, and thus, express model manipulations as graph grammars.We present the design and implementation of these concepts in AToM 3 (A Tool for Multi-formalism, MetaModelling). AToM 3 supports modelling of complex systems using different formalisms, all meta-modelled in their own right. Models in different formalisms may be transformed into a single common formalism for further processing. These transformations are specified by graph grammars. Mosterman and Vangheluwe [18] introduced the term multi-paradigm modelling to denote the combination of multiple formalisms, multiple abstraction levels, and meta-modelling. As an example of multi-paradigm modelling we present a meta-model for the Object-Oriented Continuous Simulation Language OOCSMP, in which we combine ideas from UML class diagrams (to express the OOCSMP model structure), Causal Block Diagrams (CBDs), and Statecharts (to specify the methods of the OOCSMP classes). A graph grammar is able to generate OOCSMP code, and then a compiler for this language (C-OOL) generates Java applets for the simulation execution.

Event-driven grammars: relating abstract and concrete levels of visual languages

“…For example in [11], we proposed to build visual front-ends for OOCSMP (an object-oriented simulation language) using AToM 3 , and concentrated in generating OOCSMP code from visual models (indeed using graph grammars). However, that work did not consider eventdriven grammars, triple graph transformation or multiple views (however, we allowed attributes of entities to be models).…”

Integrating Meta-modelling Aspects with Graph Transformation for Efficient Visual Language Definition and Model Manipulation

“…AToM 3 [10] is a multi-paradigm modelling tool, which includes meta modelling, multi-formalism and modelling at different abstraction levels. Its main component is the kernel, responsible for loading, saving, creating and manipulating models, as well as for generating code for the meta modelled formalisms.…”

“…In addition, there is the work in [22] where Statecharts modelling is based on a meta model for extended hierarchical automata and graph transformation rules for its simulation. A similar approach is taken into account in [10] where a graph grammar is used to transform Statecharts to Petri nets which can be simulated, but there is no connection to formal graph transformation approaches.…”

“…Visual language parsers can be immediately deduced from such a graph grammar. Furthermore, abstract syntax graphs are also the starting point for model simulation and transformation, i.e., model manipulation [5,10,22,13]. Also here, it is very natural to use graph transformation to come up with a high-level and constructive specification.…”

Transformation of UML Class Diagram to UML Sequence Diagram

“…This static structure can be represented by presenting the system's classes, their attributes, methods and operations, the relationships among the classes [1], [11]. This UML class diagrams can be transformed/mapped directly with object oriented a language that is why; they are widely used in the modeling of object oriented systems [5], [9]. In contrast, the UML Sequence diagram is a kind of interaction diagram that shows in which order and how processes operate with one another .It is also known as a Message Sequence Chart.…”