Leveraging model driven engineering in software product line architectures

Abstract

The process of Developing Software Product Line Architectures can be a complex task. However, the use of Model Driven Engineering (MDE) techniques can facilitate the development of SPLAs by introducing Domain Specific Languages, Graphical Editors, and Generators. Together these are considered the sacred triad of MDE. Key to understanding MDE and how it fits into SPLAs is to know exactly what each part of the trinity means, how it relates to the other parts, and what the various implementations are for each. This tutorial will demonstrate the use of the Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF) and Eclipse's Graphical Modeling Framework (GMF) to create an actual MDE solution as applied to a sample SPLA. These tools collectively form what is called a Language Workbench. During this tutorial we will also illustrate how to model the visual artifacts of our Domain Model and generate a Domain Specific Graphical Editor using GMF. This tutorial has its foundations in years of industrial experience with large and complex SPLAs in various industries. This tutorial continues to be updated each year to include recent and critical innovations in MDE and SPL. This year will include information on key Model Transformation, Constraints and Textual Modeling Languages targeted at Software Product Lines. Additionally, it will cover advances in Software Product Line migration technologies which include techniques as to how to effectively migrate legacy systems toward and MDE/SPLA architecture and implementation. This year's tutorial includes extensive industrial experience on the testing of large and complex SPLAs. The goal of this tutorial is to educate attendees on what MDE technologies are, how exactly they relate synergistically to Software Product Line Architectures, and how to actually apply them using an existing Eclipse implementation. The benefits of the technology are so far reaching that we feel the intended audience spans technical managers, developers and CTOs. In general the target audience includes researchers and practitioners who are working on problems related to the design and implementation of SPLAs and would like to understand the benefits of applying MDE techniques towards SPLAs and leverage Eclipse as a framework to develop MDE solutions. The first half will be less technical than the second half where we cover the details of SPLA and MDE in action in complete detail showing patterns and code.