MTrans, a DSL for model transformation

After having undergone a major evolution with the transition between the procedural paradigm and oriented-object paradigm, computer science seems to know a new evolution in that models become first class entities in the process of software development. The Model-Driven Architecture proposed by the OMG reflects this new orientation. The core of this architecture is based on modeling standards and meta-modeling standards (UML as a general purpose graphical modeling language, MOF as the basis for meta-modeling and model repositories, XMI for exchanging models as XML documents). There recently appeared an increased need for transformation between models (adaptation of the data models between applications, shared information between models, mapping inside the MDA architecture, etc.). Existing solutions to express model transformation are not completely satisfactory and the author proposes a solution in which a language specially designed for transforming models will be defined. In others words the author defines a domain specific language (a DSL). He shows that a DSL approach has some advantages compared to other techniques using general programming languages. Furthermore, this DSL allows specifying executable transformations, which are comprehensive and unambiguous.