Analyzing frame conditions in UML/OCL models: consistency equivalence and independence

Philipp Niemann, Nils Przigoda, Robert Wille, Rolf Drechsler

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

In behavioral modeling using UML/OCL, operation contracts defined by pre- and postconditions describe the effects on model elements (such as attributes, links, etc.) that are enforced by an operation. However, it is usually not clearly stated which model elements can be affected and which shall not, although this information is essential in order to obtain a comprehensive description. A promising solution to this so-called frame problem is to define additional frame conditions. However, properly defining frame conditions which complete the model description in the intended way is a non-trivial, tedious and error-prone task. While for UML/OCL models in general, methods for validation and verification are available, no analysis methods for frame conditions exist so far that could support the designer in this process. In this work, we close this gap and propose a set of primary analysis objectives (namely consistency, equivalence, and independence) that provide substantial information about the correctness and adequateness of given frame conditions. Moreover, we formalize these objectives as to be able to conduct the corresponding analyses in an automatic fashion using the deductive power of established approaches for model validation and verification. Finally, we discuss how the resulting methodology can actually be applied and demonstrate its potential for elaborated analyses of frame conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMODELSWARD 2018 - Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Model-Driven Engineering and Software Development
EditorsSlimane Hammoudi, Luis Ferreira Pires, Bran Selic
PublisherSciTePress
Pages139-151
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9789897582837
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes
Event6th International Conference on Model-Driven Engineering and Software Development, MODELSWARD 2018 - Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Duration: 22 Jan 201824 Jan 2018

Publication series

NameMODELSWARD 2018 - Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Model-Driven Engineering and Software Development
Volume2018-January

Conference

Conference6th International Conference on Model-Driven Engineering and Software Development, MODELSWARD 2018
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityFunchal, Madeira
Period22/01/1824/01/18

Keywords

  • Frame Conditions
  • Operation Contracts
  • UML/OCL
  • Validation
  • Verification

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