Model transformation specification for automated formal verification

The development of model transformations is commonly an ad-hoc activity in MDE. Transformations are engineering artefacts, and can be developed in a disciplined way, like other software artefacts. A model transformation development process can produce transformations expressed in many different styles; transformation patterns can be used to underpin such different properties to be constructed. This paper introduces a systematic approach to development of model transformation specifications that are amenable to automated formal verification of its properties. The paper introduces a process for planning transformation and a language for capturing structural and behavioural characteristics of a model transformation, that supports templates which, when instantiated, automatically produce equivalent formal specification with analysis capabilities. The approach is illustrated with a small example, UML Class to Relational Database transformation, and verification using Alloy.

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

[2]  Yves Le Traon,et al.  Reusable MDA components: a testing-for-trust approach , 2006, MoDELS'06.

[3]  Benoit Baudry,et al.  Automatic Model Generation Strategies for Model Transformation Testing , 2009, ICMT@TOOLS.

[4]  Jorn Bettin.  Ideas for a concrete visual syntax for model-to-model transformations , 2003 .

[5]  Yves Le Traon,et al.  Qualifying input test data for model transformations , 2009, Software & Systems Modeling.

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

[7]  Goetz Botterweck,et al.  Model-Based Methodologies for Pervasive and Embedded Software , 2012, Lecture Notes in Computer Science.

[8]  M. Wimmer,et al.  Right or Wrong ? – Verification of Model Transformations using Colored Petri Nets , 2009 .

[9]  Iman Poernomo.  Proofs-as-Model-Transformations , 2008, ICMT@TOOLS.

[10]  Stuart Kent,et al.  The MMF approach to engineering object-oriented design languages. , 2001 .

[11]  Nuno Amaálio,et al.  Generative frameworks for rigorous model-driven development , 2006 .

[12]  Daniel Jackson,et al.  Alloy: a lightweight object modelling notation , 2002, TSEM.

[13]  Kevin Lano,et al.  Model Transformation Specification and Verification , 2008, 2008 The Eighth International Conference on Quality Software.

[14]  Douglas C. Schmidt,et al.  Guest Editor's Introduction: Model-Driven Engineering , 2006, Computer.

[15]  Shane Sendall,et al.  Model Transformation: The Heart and Soul of Model-Driven Software Development , 2003, IEEE Softw..

[16]  Jean Bézivin,et al.  On the Applicability Scope of Model Driven Engineering , 2007, Fourth International Workshop on Model-Based Methodologies for Pervasive and Embedded Software (MOMPES'07).

[17]  Lukman Ab. Rahim,et al.  Proposed Design Notation for Model Transformation , 2008, 19th Australian Conference on Software Engineering (aswec 2008).

[18]  Daniel Jackson,et al.  Software Abstractions - Logic, Language, and Analysis , 2006 .

[19]  Juan de Lara,et al.  transML: a family of languages to model model transformations , 2010, MODELS'10.

[20]  Frank Marschall,et al.  Model Transformations for the MDA with BOTL , 2003 .

[21]  J. Küster,et al.  Analysis of Model Transformations via Alloy , 2007 .