Prof. Dr. Martin Gogolla, Universität Bremen

Abstract:

MBE (Model-Based Engineering) proposes to develop software taking advantage of models, in contrast to traditional code-centric development approaches. Typical graphical modeling languages like the UML (Unified Modeling Language) or EMF (Eclipse Modeling Framework) are completed by the textual OCL (Object Constraint Language) enriching graphical models with necessary details. Precise object-oriented development of system structure and system behavior is supported in the tool USE (UML-based Specification Environment) with UML class, object, statechart, and sequence diagrams and with OCL class invariants, operation proe-and postconditions, state invariants, and transition pre- and postconditions. OCL is extended with programming language features that allow the developer to build implementations of operations on the modeling level. The tool USE assists the developer to validate and verify model characteristics. Model properties to be inspected includ constraint consistency, constraint independence, checking consequences from stated constraints, and system state reachability.