Model-Based Software Development with Eclipse

Abstract

The tutorial consists of two parts. In the first part (45 min), Ralf Reussner focuses on the importance of an explicitly modelled software architecture. Besides an introduction into common architectural views, the role of the software architect is compared to ”classical building” architects. As part of this, the often used comparison between building architecture and software architecture is critically reviewed. In particular, the role of an architect is discussed in model-driven software projects.

During the second part of the tutorial (135 min), Steffen Becker demonstrates online model driven development tools based on Eclipse. First, an introduction is given on the metamodelling tools of the Eclipse Modelling Framework (EMF) and on the Graphical Modelling Framework (GMF) used to generate a domain specific editors for user defined (meta-)models. Additionally, the MDA framework of the OMG is presented and the concepts are applied to the introduced tools.

A live demonstration of the capabilities of the introduced tools for model transformations shows finally how a domain specific modelling tool can be generated to a large extend automatically using an EMF-model instance and the generator of GMF. As a result, an editor based on the Eclipse Graphical Editing Framework (GEF) can be deployed and run using Eclipse.