Automatic generation of model traversals from metamodel definitions

Developing software from models is a growing practice and there exist many model-based tools (e.g., model editors, model interpreters) for supporting model-driven engineering. Even though these tools facilitate the automation of software engineering tasks and activities, such tools are typically engineered manually. In this paper, a simple technique is described that enables automatic generation of model traversals. Semantic rules can be inserted into a traversal algorithm to provide meaning to the modeling language. The combination of automated traversal generation with attached semantic rules can generate a model interpreter that can translate a model into some other representation. Categories and Subject Descriptors D.3.1 [Programming Languages]: Formal Definitions and Theory; D.3.4 [Programming Languages]: Processors General Terms Algorithms, Languages, Theory. Keywords Metamodeling, Semantics, Attribute Grammars, Domain-Specific Languages.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2010
• Where: ACMSE
• Authors: Tomaz Lukman, Marjan Mernik, Zekai Demirezen, Barrett R. Bryant, Jeff Gray
• Keywords: ACMSE 2010, Model, Model Interpreter, Semantic Rules, Theoretical Computer Science