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Translating Target to Source Constraints in Model-to-Model Transformations

Abstract:

Model transformations are used to automate model manipulation in Model-Driven Engineering (MDE). In particular, model-to-model transformations produce target models (conformant to a target meta-model) from source ones (conformant to a source meta-model). While transformation correctness is crucial in MDE, developing transformations is error-prone due to the difficulty in testing them. This problem is further aggravated if the source and target meta-models contain OCL integrity constraints, as every transformed source model should satisfy the target integrity constraints.In order to attack this problem, we present a novel method that translates target OCL constraints to the source meta-model using the transformation definition. This way, if a source model satisfies the advanced constraint, the transformed model will satisfy the target constraint. The method has been implemented for the ATL transformation language and integrated with the anATLyzer tool. We show its benefits in combination with model finders, and the promising results of its validation using mutation techniques and transformations developed by third parties.