transML: A Family of Languages to Model Model Transformations

Abstract

Abstract. Model transformation is one of the pillars of Model-Driven Engineering (MDE). The increasing complexity of systems and modelling languages has dramatically raised the complexity and size of model trans-formations. Even though many transformation languages and tools have been proposed in the last few years, most of them are directed to the implementation phase of transformation development. However, there is a lack of cohesive support for the other phases of the transformation development, like requirements, analysis, design and testing.In this paper, we propose a unified family of languages to cover the life-cycle of transformation development. Moreover, following an MDE approach, we provide tools to partially automate the progressive refine-ment of models between the different phases and the generation of code for specific transformation implementation languages.

On the Specification of Model Transformations through a Platform Independent Approach

“…The works [4][2] are more closely related to the one presented in this paper. TransML [4] proposes a family of languages with diagrams for the entire development life cycle providing support for specification, analysis, design and code.…”

“…Despite the importance of models for the MDD approach, transformations are usually specified in an ad-hoc way using natural language and are implemented directly in code [4]. This practice leads to poor documentation which hampers the evolution of the transformation and makes it difficult to use software engineering good practices such as design patterns and reuse.…”

“…This practice leads to poor documentation which hampers the evolution of the transformation and makes it difficult to use software engineering good practices such as design patterns and reuse. In order to change this scenario some works have been proposed [2][3] [4] to cover specific aspects of transformation development (e.g. transformation design).…”

Requirements Engineering in Model-Transformation Development: An Interview-Based Study

“…As MDE is being used more intensively [4], systematic development of the transformations becomes more important [2]. However, as Selic argues [9]: "we are far from making the writing of model transformations an established and repeatable technical task".…”

Engineering model transformations with transML

“…We also provide support for reengineering transformation code by its parsing into transML models, and facilitating platform migration. This paper is an extended version of [29]. Most notably, here we incorporate a new diagram type for transformation testing -in a style similar to the xUnit testing frameworks [4] -together with a supporting platform; we illustrate the use of platform models to characterize different implementation languages and validate rule diagrams for them; we support the generation of QVT code from transML models; and we elaborate on two extended case studies.…”