Algorithmic support for model transformation in object‐oriented software development

Current methods for object‐oriented software development provide notation for the specification of models, yet do not sufficiently relate the different model types to each other, nor do they provide support for transformations from one model type to another. This makes transformations a manual activity, which increases the risk of inconsistencies among models and may lead to a loss of information. We have developed and implemented an algorithm supporting one of the transitions from analysis to design, the transformation of scenario models into behavior models. This algorithm supports the Unified Modelling Language (UML), mapping the UML's collaboration diagrams into state transition diagrams. We believe that CASE tools implementing such algorithms will be highly beneficial in object‐oriented software development. In this paper, we provide an overview of our algorithm and discuss all its major steps. The algorithm is detailed in semi‐formal English and illustrated with a number of examples. Furthermore, the algorithm is assessed from different perspectives, such as scope and role in the overall development process, issues in the design of the algorithm, complexity, implementation and experimentation, and related work. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.