Precise Model-Driven Transformations Based on Graphs and Metamodels

Presenting precisely models and supporting automatic manipulation of models are at the heart of model-centric software development. A formal foundation for these tasks is a necessity as well as a challenge. We present a model-driven approach based on the integration of two light-weight formal methods, the object constraint language (OCL) and triple graph grammars (TGGs). OCL together with metamodeling allows us to present precisely models. With TGGs we can carry out model manipulations, especially model transformations. We focus on explaining the tool which realizes our approach. This tool is developed as an extension of the UML-based specification environment (USE), which offers full OCL support. A case study showing the transformation between statecharts and extended hierarchical automata explains our approach.