On translating UML models into graph transformation systems

Abstract

In this paper we present a concept of a rigorous approach that provides a formal semantics for a fundamental subset of UML. This semantics is derived by translating a given UML model into a graph transformation system, allowing modelers to actually execute their UML model. The graph transformation system comprises graph transformation rules and a working graph which represents the current state of the modeled system. In order to support UML models which use OCL, we introduce a specific graph transformation approach that incorporates full OCL in the common UML fashion. The considered UML subset is defined by means of a metamodel similar to the UML 1.5 metamodel. The concept of a system state that represents the state of the system at a specific point in time during execution is likewise introduced by means of a metamodel. The simulated system run is performed by applying graph transformation rules on the working graph. The approach has been implemented in a research prototype which allows the modeler to execute the specified model and to validate the basic aspects of the model in an early software development phase.

Standards compliance testing for unified modelling language tools

“…There are also other approaches for validating UML models that do not depend on existing verification tools. Hölscher et al [36] present an approach for translating a given UML/OCL model into a graph transformation system to allow the UML models to be executed by applying graph transformation rules on the derived graph. With this approach, it is possible to validate the models by simulating the execution step-by-step.…”

The Certification of Software Tools with respect to Software Standards

“…A model can be represented as an attributed graph [12] in which the data types in the metamodel become data value nodes, and the classes become instance nodes. The edges of the graph are the links with respect to the structural relationships in the metamodel.…”

Verification of Graph Programs

“…Applications of graph transformation to programming languages and software engineering include the semantics and implementation of functional programming languages [26,27], the specification and analysis of pointer structures [3,2,33], the semantics of the Unified Modelling Language [17,21] and the semantics and analysis of model transformations [36,9,5,15].…”