Constraint-based specification of model transformations
Highlights? A declarative specification approach for model transformations is provided, at a higher level of abstraction than rule-based model transformation languages. ? A systematic process for correct-by-construction of implementations from these specifications is provided. ? A set of design patterns for structuring model transformations is provided. ? A set of composition mechanisms to facilitate the evolution of transformations is presented. ? A wide range of case studies are presented, together with formal evaluation of transformations developed using our process. Model transformations are a central element of model-driven development (MDD) approaches. The correctness, modularity and flexibility of model transformations is critical to their effective use in practical software development. In this paper we describe an approach for the automated derivation of correct-by-construction transformation implementations from high-level specifications. We illustrate this approach on a range of model transformation case studies of different kinds (re-expression, refinement, quality improvement and abstraction transformations) and describe ways in which transformations can be composed and evolved using this approach.