Umple: A framework for Model Driven Development of Object-Oriented Systems

Abstract

Huge benefits are gained when Model Driven Engineering are adopted to develop software systems. However, it remains a challenge for software modelers to embrace the MDE approach. In this paper, we present Umple, a framework for Model Driven Development in Object-Oriented Systems that can be used to generate entire software systems (Model Driven Forward Engineering) or to recover the models from existing software systems (Model Driven Reverse Engineering). Umple models are written using a friendly human-readable modeling notation seamlessly integrated with algorithmic code. In other words, we present a model-is-the-code approach, where developers are more likely to maintain and evolve the code as the system matures simply by the fact that both model and code are integrated as aspects of the same system. Finally, we demonstrate how the framework can be used to elaborate on solutions supporting different scenarios such as software modernization and program comprehension.

A Focus+Context Approach to Alleviate Cognitive Challenges of Editing and Debugging UML Models

“…A few features in model editors [29]- [34] reduce (directly or indirectly) the Context-related challenges of editing UML models by employing different usability techniques. For example, MagicDraw [31], VisualParadigm [35], and ArgoUML [33] are industrial modelling tools that help reduce the efforts of modelling by offering several tooling features such as welldesigned UIs, navigability and zooming features, wizards, and search capabilities.…”

UCAnDoModels: A Context-Based Model Editor for Editing and Debugging UML Class and State-Machine Diagrams

“…Many UML model editors [4,5,7,12,14,[17][18][19] ease the editing and debugging of models by proposing artefact-centric techniques, rather than by considering the human user in the loop (i.e., usercentric techniques). For example, Capella [19], MagicDraw [7], and VisualParadigm [14] are proficient model editors which (in general) aggregate and augment the most useful features of other similar editors and adequately address modellers' concerns regarding expected usefulness.…”

Open meta-modelling frameworks via meta-object protocols

“…Type-object [60,62,63] • Any promotion-based approach would benefit (see [15] for additional examples). Visualization [48,64] • Automated synchronization of textual and graphical concrete syntaxes.…”

“…The need to update concrete syntax upon changes in the model is a common need. Some systems support several concrete syntaxes (e.g., graphical and textual) [64], but many times specific synchronization functionality needs to be developed [48]. A MOP can simplify the construction of this synchronization service by taking care of concrete syntax updates.…”