The use of uniform semantic constraints in defining model-based editing operations

Problems arising from editing specifications at the level of desired behaviors (model-based editing) are addressed. Such editing operations can be designed on the basis of frequent patterns of desired behavior changes, and formalized semantic constraints can be utilized to guide the modifications to specifications. Consequently, the editing can be partially automated, and the changes can more likely be consistent and relatively complete. For a model-based editing system to have wide coverage and rich modification extent, it is crucial for each model-based editing operation to have uniform semantic constraints. Such constraints can often be based on a straightforward mapping back to the original behaviors. A framework is presented for describing model-based editing operations by the use of such constraints.<>