A comparison between automated generated code tools using model based development

The use of automated generated code tools has been increasing in the last years mainly because it helps engineers to faster and better develop documented software in comparison with hand coded development. Nowadays, there are many tools available from different vendors. However, the most used tools for critical environments and real-time applications are the Rational Rose Real Time (RRRT) and the Rational Rhapsody. Recently, National Instruments, the Lab VIEW software vendor, has released a toolkit to develop C code from its visual programming language. This represented a breakthrough for LabVIEW developers, allowing verification of what is being properly developed. Mathworks, the Matlab software vendor, has provided a similar toolkit to the LabVIEW. A case study comparing source codes generated by CASE Tools with hand coded was presented at the ITNG 2008 Conference. In this case study, authors have concluded that hand-made source code is less complex than CASE tools source codes. However, the cost/benefit becomes better when using CASE tools. The main purpose of this paper is to provide an insight about automated generated code using Model Based Development (MBD) tools (LabVIEW, Matlab, and Rational Rose Real Time). The case study presents the modeling of a 100 points sine wave application. A comparison between code metrics is performed, in order to verify which tool best fits into your project.