Comparison and Evaluation of Model Transformation Tools

An impressive number of model transformation languages and associated tools have been developed over the last few years. These tools can be used to develop, transform, merge, exchange, compare and verify models or meta-models. In this paper, we compare and evaluate the current model transformation tools based on a qualitative framework. We begin with looking at the background areas of model transformation, and an overall taxonomy of current tools. We then classify, compare and evaluate the tools based on a number of facets, each one consisting of several attributes with the possibility of overlap.

[1]  Claudia Ermel,et al.  Visual Modeling of Controlled EMF Model Transformation using HENSHIN , 2010, Electron. Commun. Eur. Assoc. Softw. Sci. Technol..

[2]  Laurence Tratt,et al.  Model transformations and tool integration , 2005, Software & Systems Modeling.

[3]  Hassan Charaf,et al.  A Systematic Approach to Metamodeling Environments and Model Transformation Systems in VMTS , 2005, GraBaTs.

[4]  Panagiotis Louridas,et al.  Version Control , 2019, Modern Programming Made Easy.

[5]  Audris Kalnins,et al.  Model Transformation Language MOLA , 2003, MDAFA.

[6]  Olivier Barais,et al.  A Demonstration for Building Modular and Efficient DSLs: The Kermeta v2 Experience , 2013 .

[7]  Juan de Lara,et al.  The Program Is the Model: Enabling Transformations@run.time , 2012, SLE.

[8]  Matthias Biehl Literature study on the state of the art in model transformation technology , 2010 .

[9]  Jean Bézivin,et al.  ATL: A model transformation tool , 2008, Sci. Comput. Program..

[10]  Dániel Varró,et al.  Termination Analysis of Model Transformations by Petri Nets , 2006, ICGT.

[11]  Jordi Cabot,et al.  Feature-based classification of bidirectional transformation approaches , 2014, Software & Systems Modeling.

[12]  Ulrich Nickel,et al.  The FUJABA environment , 2000, Proceedings of the 2000 International Conference on Software Engineering. ICSE 2000 the New Millennium.

[13]  Uwe A Mann Graph Rewrite Systems For Program Optimization , 2000 .

[14]  Régine Laleau,et al.  Using RELAX, SysML and KAOS for Ambient Systems Requirements Modeling , 2012, ANT/MobiWIS.

[15]  Chanchal Kumar Roy,et al.  Comparison and evaluation of code clone detection techniques and tools: A qualitative approach , 2009, Sci. Comput. Program..

[16]  Kevin Lano,et al.  Comparative Evaluation of Model Transformation Specification Approaches , 2012, International Journal of Software and Informatics.

[17]  Martin Gogolla,et al.  Object Constraint Language , 2009, Encyclopedia of Database Systems.

[18]  Robert B. France,et al.  An Integrated Object-Oriented and Formal Modeling Environment , 1997, J. Object Oriented Program..

[19]  J. Troya,et al.  Marrying Search-based Optimization and Model Transformation Technology , 2015 .

[20]  Parastoo Mohagheghi,et al.  Towards a Tool-Supported Quality Model for Model-Driven Engineering , 2008 .

[21]  Andy Schürr,et al.  Emoflon: leveraging EMF and professional CASE tools , 2011, GI-Jahrestagung.

[22]  Hans Vangheluwe,et al.  AToMPM: A Web-based Modeling Environment , 2013, MoDELS.

[23]  Arend Rensink,et al.  A survey and comparison of transformation tools based on the transformation tool contest , 2014, Sci. Comput. Program..

[24]  Vasco Amaral,et al.  Classification of Model Transformation Tools: Pattern Matching Techniques , 2014, MoDELS.

[25]  Audris Kalnins,et al.  Automatic Construction of Test Sets: Theoretical Approach , 1991, Baltic Computer Science.

[26]  Jürgen Dingel,et al.  A Tridimensional Approach for Studying the Formal Verification of Model Transformations , 2012, 2012 IEEE Fifth International Conference on Software Testing, Verification and Validation.

[27]  Perdita Stevens,et al.  A Landscape of Bidirectional Model Transformations , 2007, GTTSE.

[28]  Frank Budinsky,et al.  Eclipse Modeling Framework , 2003 .

[29]  Bernhard Schätz,et al.  Verification of Model Transformations , 2010, Electron. Commun. Eur. Assoc. Softw. Sci. Technol..

[30]  Jesús Sánchez Cuadrado,et al.  Building Domain-Specific Languages for Model-Driven Development , 2007, IEEE Software.

[31]  Gabriele Taentzer,et al.  Henshin: advanced concepts and tools for in-place EMF model transformations , 2010, MODELS'10.

[32]  Dániel Varró,et al.  Live Model Transformations Driven by Incremental Pattern Matching , 2008, ICMT@TOOLS.

[33]  B. Baudry,et al.  Validation in model-driven engineering: testing model transformations , 2004, Proceedings. 2004 First International Workshop on Model, Design and Validation, 2004..

[34]  Ekkart Kindler,et al.  Reconciling TGGs with QVT , 2007, MODELS'07.

[35]  Márk Asztalos,et al.  Towards Automated, Formal Verification of Model Transformations , 2010, 2010 Third International Conference on Software Testing, Verification and Validation.

[36]  Jim Steel,et al.  Practical Declarative Model Transformation with Tefkat , 2005, MoDELS Satellite Events.

[37]  Andy Schürr,et al.  A Comparison of Incremental Triple Graph Grammar Tools , 2014, Electron. Commun. Eur. Assoc. Softw. Sci. Technol..

[38]  Giovanni Toffetti Carughi,et al.  WebRatio, an Innovative Technology for Web Application Development , 2004, ICWE.

[39]  Kevin Lano,et al.  Specification and Verification of Model Transformations Using UML-RSDS , 2010, IFM.

[40]  Bernhard Schätz,et al.  Formalization and Rule-Based Transformation of EMF Ecore-Based Models , 2009, SLE.

[41]  Christopher Gerking,et al.  Solving the Movie Database Case with QVTo , 2014, TTC@STAF.

[42]  Jens von Pilgrim Computerunterstützte Modelltransformationen: Modellierungstheorie, Konzeption und Visualisierung im Rahmen modellgetriebener Entwicklungsverfahren , 2012 .

[43]  Timothy Lethbridge,et al.  Improving program comprehension by enhancing program constructs: An analysis of the Umple language , 2009, 2009 IEEE 17th International Conference on Program Comprehension.

[44]  Juan de Lara,et al.  AToM3: A Tool for Multi-formalism and Meta-modelling , 2002, FASE.

[45]  Jeff Rothenberg,et al.  The nature of modeling , 1989 .

[46]  Antonio Cicchetti,et al.  JTL: A Bidirectional and Change Propagating Transformation Language , 2010, SLE.

[47]  Jesús Sánchez Cuadrado,et al.  RubyTL: A Practical, Extensible Transformation Language , 2006, ECMDA-FA.

[48]  Edward D. Willink UMLX : A graphical transformation language for MDA , 2003 .

[49]  Hassan Charaf,et al.  Model Transformation with a Visual Control Flow Language , 2008 .

[50]  Kalle Lyytinen,et al.  MetaEdit+: A Fully Configurable Multi-User and Multi-Tool CASE and CAME Environment , 1996, CAiSE.

[51]  Jesús Sánchez Cuadrado Towards a Family of Model Transformation Languages , 2012, ICMT@TOOLS.

[52]  Andy Schürr,et al.  Bidirectional Model Transformation with Precedence Triple Graph Grammars , 2012, ECMFA.

[53]  Krzysztof Czarnecki,et al.  Feature-based survey of model transformation approaches , 2006, IBM Syst. J..

[54]  Jordi Cabot,et al.  MoDisco: a generic and extensible framework for model driven reverse engineering , 2010, ASE.

[55]  Jens von Pilgrim,et al.  A survey of traceability in requirements engineering and model-driven development , 2010, Software & Systems Modeling.

[56]  Alek Radjenovic,et al.  Towards Model Transformation with TXL , .

[57]  James Lyle Peterson,et al.  Petri net theory and the modeling of systems , 1981 .

[58]  Kevin Lano,et al.  Model-Driven Development of Model Transformations , 2011, ICMT@TOOLS.

[59]  Dániel Varró,et al.  Termination Criteria for Model Transformation , 2005, Transformation Techniques in Software Engineering.

[60]  Jean Pierre Bourey,et al.  A comparison of model transformation tools: Application for Transforming GRAI Extended Actigrams into UML Activity Diagrams , 2008, Comput. Ind..

[61]  Richard F. Paige,et al.  The Epsilon Transformation Language , 2008, ICMT@TOOLS.

[62]  E. Rogers,et al.  Diffusion of innovations , 1964, Encyclopedia of Sport Management.

[63]  Holger Giese,et al.  Bridging the gap between formal semantics and implementation of triple graph grammars , 2010, 2010 Workshop on Model-Driven Engineering, Verification, and Validation.

[64]  Arend Rensink,et al.  Model Checking Dynamic States in GROOVE , 2006, SPIN.

[65]  Olivier Barais,et al.  Reusing legacy DSLs with Melange , 2015, DSM@SPLASH.

[66]  Arend Rensink The GROOVE Simulator: A Tool for State Space Generation , 2003, AGTIVE.

[67]  Juan de Lara,et al.  Meta-modelling and graph grammars for multi-paradigm modelling in AToM3 , 2004, Software & Systems Modeling.

[68]  Atif Aftab Ahmed Jilani,et al.  Model Transformations in Model Driven Architecture , 2010 .

[69]  Gabriele Taentzer,et al.  The AGG approach: language and environment , 1999 .

[70]  Olivier Barais,et al.  Melange: a meta-language for modular and reusable development of DSLs , 2015, SLE.

[71]  James R. Cordy,et al.  A Survey of Model Comparison Approaches and Applications , 2013, MODELSWARD.

[72]  Juan de Lara,et al.  Tools of model transformation by graph transformation: A comparative study , 2012, International Conference on Education and e-Learning Innovations.

[73]  Soichiro Hidaka,et al.  GRoundTram: An integrated framework for developing well-behaved bidirectional model transformations , 2011, 2011 26th IEEE/ACM International Conference on Automated Software Engineering (ASE 2011).

[74]  James R. Cordy,et al.  The TXL source transformation language , 2006, Sci. Comput. Program..

[75]  Jordi Cabot,et al.  Model-Driven Software Engineering in Practice , 2017, Synthesis Lectures on Software Engineering.

[76]  Dániel Varró,et al.  Change-driven model transformations , 2011, Software & Systems Modeling.

[77]  Jean-Philippe Diguet,et al.  Synchronization of Models of Rich Languages with Triple Graph Grammars: An Experience Report , 2014, ICMT.

[78]  Robert Wagner,et al.  EMorF - A tool for model transformations , 2012, Electron. Commun. Eur. Assoc. Softw. Sci. Technol..

[79]  Gabriele Taentzer,et al.  AGG: A Graph Transformation Environment for Modeling and Validation of Software , 2003, AGTIVE.

[80]  Jesús Manuel Almendros-Jiménez,et al.  PTL: A model transformation language based on logic programming , 2016, J. Log. Algebraic Methods Program..

[81]  Albert Zündorf,et al.  Testing and Simulating Production Control Systems Using the Fujaba Environment , 1999, AGTIVE.

[82]  Peter Braun,et al.  Transforming Object Oriented Models with BOTL , 2003, GT-VMT@ICGT.

[83]  Richard F. Paige,et al.  Model Migration with Epsilon Flock , 2010, ICMT@TOOLS.

[84]  Cédric Brun Obeo,et al.  MODEL DIFFERENCES IN THE ECLIPSE MODELING FRAMEWORK , 2008 .

[85]  Lossan Bonde,et al.  Metamodels and MDA Transformations for Embedded Systems , 2004, FDL.

[86]  Dániel Varró,et al.  Transformation of UML Models to CSP: A Case Study for Graph Transformation Tools , 2008, AGTIVE.

[87]  Adolfo Sánchez-Barbudo,et al.  Providing an open Virtual-Machine-based QVT implementation , 2008 .

[88]  Tom Mens,et al.  A Taxonomy of Model Transformation , 2006, GRaMoT@GPCE.

[89]  Marco Brambilla,et al.  WebRatio 5: An Eclipse-Based CASE Tool for Engineering Web Applications , 2007, ICWE.

[90]  Andy Schürr,et al.  Specification of Graph Translators with Triple Graph Grammars , 1994, WG.

[91]  Holger Giese,et al.  A Survey of Triple Graph Grammar Tools , 2013, Electron. Commun. Eur. Assoc. Softw. Sci. Technol..

[92]  A. G. Kleppe,et al.  A Language Description is More than a Metamodel , 2007 .

[93]  Dániel Varró,et al.  Model Checking Graph Transformations: A Comparison of Two Approaches , 2004, ICGT.

[94]  Dániel Varró,et al.  The model transformation language of the VIATRA2 framework , 2007, Sci. Comput. Program..

[95]  Arturo Boronat Moll A formal framework for model management , 2011 .

[96]  Alfonso Pierantonio,et al.  Towards a Taxonomy for Bidirectional Transformation , 2014, SATToSE.

[97]  Albert Zündorf,et al.  The PROGRES approach: language and environment , 1999 .

[98]  Gabriele Taentzer,et al.  A Visualization of OCL Using Collaborations , 2001, UML.

[99]  Alcino Cunha,et al.  Implementing QVT-R Bidirectional Model Transformations Using Alloy , 2013, FASE.

[100]  Hui Song,et al.  CloudMF: Applying MDE to Tame the Complexity of Managing Multi-cloud Applications , 2014, 2014 IEEE/ACM 7th International Conference on Utility and Cloud Computing.