Domain-Specific Models, Model Analysis, Model Transformations

Abstract

This dissertation proposes a novel approach, applicable in the design-time analysis and verification of computer-based systems. The proposed approach, platform modeling, constructs analysis models capturing the system's behavior on a particular implementation platform. The approach is discussed in the context of Model-Integrated Computing, which is a development methodology leveraging on the use of domain-specific modeling languages and advanced model transformation techniques. During development, platform-independent design models are refined into platform-specific models using model transformation. The main contribution of this work is the enhancement of this process with the automatic generation of analysis models. These analysis models assign platform-specific semantics to the design model. This assignment is done through a transformational approach, using graph transformation. The dissertation presents a case study using a conventional graph transformation tool. Then, a new graph transformation language designed specifically for such transformations is proposed, and its advantages are demonstrated.