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Improving user productivity in modeling tools by explicitly modeling workflows

Published: 01 August 2019 Publication History

Abstract

Software engineering aims to create software tools that allow people to solve particular problems in an easy and efficient way. In this regard, model-driven engineering (MDE) enables to generate software tools, by systematically modeling and transforming models. To do so, MDE relies on language workbenches: Integrated Development Environment for engineering modeling languages, designing models, executing them, and verifying them. However, the usability of these tools is far from efficient. Common MDE activities, such as creating a domain-specific language or developing a model transformation, are non-trivial and often require repetitive tasks. This results in unnecessary risings of development time. The goal of this paper is to increase the productivity of modelers in their daily activities by automating the tasks performed in current MDE tools. We propose an MDE-based solution where the user defines a reusable workflow that can be parameterized at run-time and executed. We have implemented workflows in the graphical modeling tool AToMPM. An empirical evaluation shows that the users' productivity is significantly improved.

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Cited By

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  • (2024)Interactivity and Collaboration in the Context of Heterogeneous ModelingProceedings of the ACM/IEEE 27th International Conference on Model Driven Engineering Languages and Systems10.1145/3652620.3688205(174-179)Online publication date: 22-Sep-2024
  • (2020)Systematic mapping study on domain-specific language development toolsEmpirical Software Engineering10.1007/s10664-020-09872-125:5(4205-4249)Online publication date: 28-Aug-2020

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cover image Software and Systems Modeling (SoSyM)
Software and Systems Modeling (SoSyM)  Volume 18, Issue 4
August 2019
407 pages

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Springer-Verlag

Berlin, Heidelberg

Publication History

Published: 01 August 2019

Author Tags

  1. Domain-specific language
  2. Enactment
  3. Model transformation
  4. Model-driven engineering
  5. User study

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  • (2024)Interactivity and Collaboration in the Context of Heterogeneous ModelingProceedings of the ACM/IEEE 27th International Conference on Model Driven Engineering Languages and Systems10.1145/3652620.3688205(174-179)Online publication date: 22-Sep-2024
  • (2020)Systematic mapping study on domain-specific language development toolsEmpirical Software Engineering10.1007/s10664-020-09872-125:5(4205-4249)Online publication date: 28-Aug-2020

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