First experiments with the ATL model transformation language: Transforming XSLT into XQuery

ATL (Atlas Transformation Language) has been defined to perform general transformations within the MDA framework (Model Driven Architecture) recently proposed by the OMG. We are currently learning from the first applications developed with this language. The example used here is a transformation from XSLT to XQuery. Since these are two standard notations that don’t pertain to the MDA space, we first need to provide some justification about this work. The global organization of technological spaces presented at the beginning of the paper is intended to answer this first question. Furthermore we propose the original characterization of a technological space as a framework based on a given unique meta-model. After having briefly presented the ATL framework, we describe the XSLT2XQuery transformation. We may then draw several conclusions from this experiment, suggesting possible improvements to general model transformation frameworks. ATL is still evolving since it is supposed to match the forthcoming QVT/RFP recommendation when it is ready. As a consequence, the concrete expression of the transformation presented in this paper may change, but the general ideas should remain stable.