Metamodel Adaptation and Model Co-adaptation
(2007)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-73589-2\_28
Abstract
Like other software artefacts, metamodels evolve over time. We propose a transformational approach to assist metamodel evolution by stepwise adaptation. In the first part of the paper, we adopt ideas from grammar engineering to define several semantics- and instance-preservation properties in terms of metamodel relations. This part is not restricted to any metamodel formalism. In the second part, we present a library of QVT Relations for the stepwise adaptation of MOF compliant metamodels. Transformations from this library separate preservation properties. We distinguish three kinds of adaptation according to these properties; namely refactoring, construction, and destruction. Co-adaptation of models is discussed with respect to instance-preservation. In most cases, co-adaptation is achieved automatically. Finally, we point out applications in the areas of metamodel design, implementation, refinement, maintenance, and recovery.