Unifying approach for model transformations in the MOF metamodeling architecture

In the Meta Object Facility (MOF) metamodeling architecture a number of model transformation scenarios can be identified. It could be expected that a metamodeling architecture will be accompanied by a transformation technology supporting the model transformation scenarios in a uniform way. Despite the fact that current transformation languages have similarities they are usually focused only on a particular scenario. In this paper we analyse the problems that prevent the usage of a single language for different transformation scenarios. The problems are rooted in the current organization of MOF and especially in its inability to define explicitly the mechanism of model instantiation. This causes a tight coupling between a transformation language and the instantiation mechanism specific at the level it operates upon. We propose an organization of the MOF architecture based on a simple and uniform representation of all model elements no matter at which level they are defined. In this framework different instantiation mechanisms are defined as transformations between model elements. We present a transformation language based on that paradigm which is independent of the instantiation mechanism specific for a given level.