Semantic grouping of model changes

Current model differencing approaches focus on algorithms for matching models and finding differences between them. The result is a delta containing the differences between these particular models, usually as a set of atomic changes. This paper presents concepts, procedures, and tool support for functionally encapsulating groups of atomic model changes into engineering transactions on models (refactorings, elaborations, etc.). Such transactions may be transferred and applied to other models and not just the one on which they have been defined as is the case with model differences. This way, complex transactions may be defined "by example", thus paving the road to practical applicability of model-based software development.