A generic framework for automated Quality Assurance of software models - Application of an Abstract Syntax Tree

Abstract

Syntax Tree's (AST) are used in language tools, such as compilers, language translators and transformers as well as analysers; to remove syntax and are therefore an ideal construct for a language independent tool. AST's are also commonly used in static analysis. This increases the value of ASTs for use within a universal Quality Assurance (QA) tool. The Object Management Group (OMG) has outlined a Generic AST Meta-model (GASTM) which may be used to implement the internal representation (IR) for this tool. This paper proposes the structure and data flow needed to implement the IR and to perform analysis within the framework.