Model-Driven Language Engineering: The ASMETA Case Study

This paper reports our experience in exploiting the metamodelling approach of model-driven language engineering to define a standard modelling language for the Abstract State Machines (ASMs) formal method, and develop a general framework (ASMETA) for a wide interoperability of ASM tools in a model-driven development context. We describe the requirements to fulfill and the design, implementation, validation, and tools development steps necessary to support such a language engineering life cycle. We finally discuss the benefits/limits of a model-driven language engineering approach with respect to traditional techniques primarily used for the same goal.