A Meta Model for AspectJ
Uni Bonn, (2004)Abstract
A meta model specifies a particular visual modeling language.
Aspect oriented modeling (AOM) needs meta models for aspect
visual modeling to bridge the gap between crosscut concerns
conceptual modeling and aspect oriented programming (AOP).
Many researchers have proposed extensions of the UML towards
graphical notations for aspects. However, notations without an
underlying formal semantics and syntax are not amenable to
automated tool support. Tool-supported aspect modeling requires
an aspect meta model as a basis specification.
This paper follows a bottom-up approach, focusing on a meta
model for AspectJ, an Aspect oriented language extending Java.
By tailoring UML meta classes, a Java meta model is built firstly,
and then it is extended into an AspectJ meta model. The
semantics, attributes and associations of the main meta classes are
specified. These meta classes are visualized by a set of
corresponding notations, and three structural views are suggested
for aspect related diagrams. The meta model is precise, pragmatic
and enables implementation of aspect modeling tools. The work
promises to narrow the gap between crosscut conceptual modeling
of aspects and concrete implementations in AspectJ.