Handling complex representations in visual modeling tools for MDSD/DSM by means of code generator languages

• Published in: Journal of computer languages (Online) Vol. 75; p. 101208
• Main Authors: Djukić, Verislav, Popović, Aleksandar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-06-2023
• Subjects: Code generators; Domain-specific languages; Model execution; Model transformation languages; Visual modeling; Code generators; Model execution; Domain-specific languages; Model transformation languages; Visual modeling
• ISSN: 2590-1184
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cola.2023.101208

Constructing languages and tools for modeling is an intellectual effort that addresses challenges related to linguistic theory. It requires a high level of creativity and understanding between software engineers and language and domain experts. It is important to consider the context of language application, or the main goal of the work, at the beginning of the language construction process. A new language is not created instantaneously, but rather through a process of iteratively refining the definition of its elements in interaction with the real-world context in which it will be applied. From a pragmatic standpoint, the best way to ensure the correctness of a language’s semantics is to verify it using a reference implementation, although different approaches may be used to describe the semantics of the language. In this paper, we share our experience in developing new and extending the existing functionalities of tools for visual domain-specific modeling to simplify reference implementation. We demonstrate how the code generator language, with minor extensions, can be used for it. Visual modeling tools in MDSD and DSM pay more attention to the graphical representation of objects, and less to relations, roles, and properties. In our platform, objects, roles, and relations are all derived from the same base class, which allows us to distinguish between fifteen different model representation types, ranging from view on the model topology to complex 3D views.