MDA-based reverse engineering of object oriented code

Abstract

The Model Driven Architecture (MDA) is an architectural framework for information integration and tool interoperation that could facilitate system modernization. Reverse engineering techniques are crucial to extract high level views of the subject system. This paper describes a reverse engineering approach that fits with MDA. We propose to integrate different techniques that come from compiler theory, metamodeling and formal specification. We describe a process that combines static and dynamic analysis for generating MDA models. We show how MOF (Meta Object Facility) and QVT (Query, View, Transformation) metamodels can be used to drive model recovery processes. Besides, we show how metamodels and transformations can be integrated with formal specifications in an interoperable way. The reverse engineering of class diagram and state diagram at PSM level from Java code is exemplified. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.