Model transformations are touted to play a key role in Model Driven DevelopmentTM. Although well-established standards for creating metamodels such as the Meta-Object Facility exist, there is currently no mature foundation for specifying transformations among models. We propose a framework for the classification of several existing and proposed model transformation approaches. The classification framework is given as a feature model that makes explicit the different design choices for model transformations. Based on our analysis of model transformation approaches, we propose a few major categories in which most approaches fit.

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Feature-based survey of model transformation approaches

This book discusses how model-based approaches can improve the daily practice of software professionals. This is known as Model-Driven Software Engineering (MDSE) or, simply, Model-Driven Engineering (MDE). MDSE practices have proved to increase efficiency and effectiveness in software development, as demonstrated by various quantitative and qualitative studies. MDSE adoption in the software industry is foreseen to grow exponentially in the near future, e.g., due to the convergence of software development and business analysis. The aim of this book is to provide you with an agile and flexible tool to introduce you to the MDSE world, thus allowing you to quickly understand its basic principles and techniques and to choose the right set of MDSE instruments for your needs so that you can start to benefit from MDSE right away. The book is organized into two main parts. The first part discusses the foundations of MDSE in terms of basic concepts (i.e., models and transformations), driving principles, application scenarios and current standards, like the well-known MDA initiative proposed by OMG (Object Management Group) as well as the practices on how to integrate MDSE in existing development processes. The second part deals with the technical aspects of MDSE, spanning from the basics on when and how to build a domain-specific modeling language, to the description of Model-to-Text and Model-to-Model transformations, and the tools that support the management of MDSE projects. The book is targeted to a diverse set of readers, spanning: professionals, CTOs, CIOs, and team managers that need to have a bird's eye vision on the matter, so as to take the appropriate decisions when it comes to choosing the best development techniques for their company or team; software analysts, developers, or designers that expect to use MDSE for improving everyday work productivity, either by applying the basic modeling techniques and notations or by defining new domain-specific modeling languages and applying end-to-end MDSE practices in the software factory; and academic teachers and students to address undergrad and postgrad courses on MDSE. In addition to the contents of the book, more resources are provided on the book's website http://www.mdse-book.com/, including the examples presented in the book. Table of Contents: Introduction / MDSE Principles / MDSE Use Cases / Model-Driven Architecture (MDA) / Integration of MDSE in your Development Process / Modeling Languages at a Glance / Developing your Own Modeling Language / Model-to-Model Transformations / Model-to-Text Transformations / Managing Models / Summary

Model-Driven Software Engineering in Practice

The Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF) provides modeling and code generation facilities for Java applications based on structured data models. Henshin is a new language and associated tool set for in-place transformations of EMF models. The Henshin transformation language uses pattern-based rules on the lowest level, which can be structured into nested transformation units with well-defined operational semantics. So-called amalgamation units are a special type of transformation units that provide a forall-operator for pattern replacement. For all of these concepts, Henshin offers a visual syntax, sophisticated editing functionalities, execution and analysis tools. The Henshin transformation language has its roots in attributed graph transformations, which offer a formal foundation for validation of EMF model transformations. The transformation concepts are demonstrated using two case studies: EMF model refactoring and meta-model evolution.

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Henshin: advanced concepts and tools for in-place EMF model transformations

This paper has two tightly intertwined aims: (i) to introduce an intuitive and universal graphical calculus for multi-qubit systems, the ZX-calculus, which greatly simplifies derivations in the area of quantum computation and information. (ii) To axiomatize complementarity of quantum observables within a general framework for physical theories in terms of dagger symmetric monoidal categories. We also axiomatize phase shifts within this framework. Using the well-studied canonical correspondence between graphical calculi and dagger symmetric monoidal categories, our results provide a purely graphical formalisation of complementarity for quantum observables. Each individual observable, represented by a commutative special dagger Frobenius algebra, gives rise to an Abelian group of phase shifts, which we call the phase group. We also identify a strong form of complementarity, satisfied by the Z- and X-spin observables, which yields a scaled variant of a bialgebra.

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Interacting quantum observables: Categorical algebra and diagrammatics

This paper has two tightly intertwined aims: (i) To introduce an intuitive and universal graphical calculus for multi-qubit systems, the ZX-calculus, which greatly simplifies derivations in the area of quantum computation and information. (ii) To axiomatise complementarity of quantum observables within a general framework for physical theories in terms of dagger symmetric monoidal categories. We also axiomatize phase shifts within this framework. 
Using the well-studied canonical correspondence between graphical calculi and symmetric monoidal categories, our results provide a purely graphical formalisation of complementarity for quantum observables. Each individual observable, represented by a commutative special dagger Frobenius algebra, gives rise to an abelian group of phase shifts, which we call the phase group. We also identify a strong form of complementarity, satisfied by the Z and X spin observables, which yields a scaled variant of a bialgebra.

Interacting Quantum Observables: Categorical Algebra and Diagrammatics

This is the first textbook treatment of the algebraic approach to graph transformation, based on algebraic structures and category theory. It contains an introduction to classical graphs. Basic and advanced results are first shown for an abstract form of replacement systems and are then instantiated to several forms of graph and Petri net transformation systems. The book develops typed attributed graph transformation and contains a practical case study.

Fundamentals of Algebraic Graph Transformation

Fundamentals of Algebraic Graph Transformation (Monographs in Theoretical Computer Science. An EATCS Series)

This is an electronic version of the paper presented at the Model Transformation in Practice, held in Montego Bay on 2005

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Model transformation by graph transformation: A comparative study

Within model-driven software development, model transformation has become a key activity. It refers to a variety of operations modifying a model for various purposes such as analysis, optimization, and code generation. Most of these transformations need to be bidirectional to e.g. report analysis results, or keep coherence between models. In several application-oriented papers it has been shown that triple graph grammars are a promising approach to bidirectional model transformations. But up to now, there is no formal result showing under which condition corresponding forward and backward transformations are inverse to each other in the sense of information preservation. This problem is solved in this paper based on general results for the theory of algebraic graph transformations. The results are illustrated by a transformation of class models to relational data base models which has become a quasi-standard example for model transformation.

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Information preserving bidirectional model transformations

https://www.mathematik.uni-marburg.de/~swt/Publikationen_Taentzer/Papiere06-09/LBEEPT07_direct.pdf

Karsten Ehrig

Papers

Fundamentals of Algebraic Graph Transformation

Fundamentals of Algebraic Graph Transformation (Monographs in Theoretical Computer Science. An EATCS Series)

Model transformation by graph transformation: A comparative study

Information preserving bidirectional model transformations

Attributed graph transformation with node type inheritance