Understanding of Heterogeneous Multi-Stage Meta-Programs

Abstract

The paper analyzes an approach to understanding heterogeneous meta-programs and multi-stage metaprograms. At the core of the approach is human-centred analysis combined with the Brook's program cognition theory and the concept of reverse engineering. The use of the approach leads to extracting higher-level models (graphs representing meta-parameter -meta-function relationship models, feature diagrams and algorithms) from correct meta-specifications. The models and processes enable not only to better understand the multi-stage heterogeneous meta-programs but also to contribute to their evolution. The paper describes some properties of the multi-stage heterogeneous meta-programs. The approach is supported by the case study and complexity evaluation.

Refactoring of Heterogeneous Meta-Program into k-stage Meta-Program

“…Meta-programming and the development of heterogeneous meta-programs can be dealt with and understood using two general engineering approaches: forward engineering and reverse engineering [42]. The latter approach enables to re-factor a given heterogeneous meta-program and represent it as a k-stage meta-specification aiming at developing metameta-programs or meta-generators, or pursuing other goals.…”