Design patterns for model-driven development

Abstract

Design patterns document solutions to recurring design and development challenges. UML, which is the de-facto modeling language in software development, supports defining and using patterns with its Collaboration concepts. However, as is demonstrated in the paper, the support is not sufficient for all kinds of patterns and all meaningful ways to use patterns. In this paper, the use of design patterns is suggested for documentation purposes in Model-Driven Development. The pattern support of UML is complemented with an approach that does not constrain the nature of pattern solutions. The approach is tool-supported in a model-driven development tool environment for basic control and safety-related control applications, UML AP tool. The developed tool support includes instantiating and highlighting patterns in models as well as gathering documentation on use of patterns, which could especially benefit safety system development.