Conference article

Multi-Paradigm Language Engineering and Equation-Based Object-Oriented Languages

Hans Vangheluwe
School of Computer Science, McGill University, Montr´eal, Canada

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Published in: Proceedings of the 2nd International Workshop on Equation-Based Object-Oriented Languages and Tools

Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 29:1, p. 1-5

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Published: 2008-07-02

ISBN: 978-91-7519-823-1

ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)

Abstract

Models are invariably used in Engineering (for design) and Science (for analysis) to precisely describe structure as well as behaviour of systems.Models may have components described in different formalisms; and may span different levels of abstraction. In addition; models are frequently transformed into domains/formalisms where certain questions can be easily answered. We introduce the term “multiparadigm modelling” to denote the interplay between multi-abstraction modelling; multi-formalism modelling and the modelling of model transformations.

The foundations of multi-paradigm modelling will be presented. It will be shown how all aspects of multiparadigm modelling can be explicitly (meta-)modeled enabling the efficient synthesis of (possibly domain-specific) multi-paradigm (visual) modelling environments.We have implemented our ideas in the tool AToM3 (A Tool for Multi-formalism and Meta Modelling) [3].

Over the last decade; Equation-based Object-Oriented Languages (EOOLs) have proven to bring modelling closer to the problem domain; away from the details of numerical simulation of models. Thanks to Object-Oriented structuring and encapsulation constructs; meaningful exchange and re-use of models is greatly enhanced.

Different directions of future research; combiningmultiparadigm modelling concepts and techniques will be explored:

1. meta-modelling and model transformation for domainspecific modelling as a layer on top of EOOLs;

2. on the one hand; the use of Triple Graph Grammars (TGGs) to declaratively specify consistency relationships between different models (views). On the other hand; the use of EOOLs to complement Triple Graph Grammars (TGGs) in an attempt to come up with a fully “declarative” description of consistency between models to support co-evolution of models;

3. the use of graph transformation languages describing structural change to modularly “weave in” variable structure into non-dynamic-structure modelling languages.

Keywords

Multi-Paradigm Modelling; Meta-Modelling; Model Transformation; Equation-Based Object-Oriented Languages; Consistency; Variable Structure

References

[1] Modelica TM Association. A unified object-oriented language for physical systems modeling. Modelica homepage: www.modelica.org; since 1997.

[2] F. P. Brooks. No silver bullet: Essence and accidents of software engineering. Computer; 20(4):10–19; 1987.

[3] Juan de Lara and Hans Vangheluwe. AToM3: A tool for multi-formalism and meta-modelling. In European Joint Conference on Theory And Practice of Software (ETAPS); Fundamental Approaches to Software Engineering (FASE); Lecture Notes in Computer Science 2306; pages 174 – 188. Springer; April 2002. Grenoble; France.

[4] D. Harel and B. Rumpe. Modeling languages: Syntax; semantics and all that stuff; part i: The basic stuff. Technical report; Jerusalem; Israel; 2000.

[5] Steven Kelly and Juha-Pekka Tolvanen. Domain-Specific Modeling: Enabling Full Code Generation. Wiley; 2008.

[6] Alexander K¨onigs. Model Transformation with Triple Graph Grammars. In Model Transformations in Practice Satellite Workshop of MODELS 2005; Montego Bay; Jamaica; 2005.

[7] Andy Sch¨urr. Specification of Graph Translators with Triple Graph Grammars. In G. Tinhofer; editor; WG’94 20th Int. Workshop on Graph-Theoretic Concepts in Computer Science; volume 903 of Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS); pages 151–163; Heidelberg; 1994. Springer Verlag

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