A formalisation of constraint-aware model transformations

Abstract

This paper introduces a formal approach to the definition of constraint-aware model transformations. The proposed approach is based on the Diagram Predicate Framework and extends graph transformations with the ability to handle constraints in the definition and execution of model transformations. In particular, it uses non-deleting rules that are typed over the metamodel of a joined modelling language which is constructed from the source and target languages. Furthermore, the application of transformation rules is formalised as a pushout construction that creates a model which is typed over the metamodel of the joined modelling language. Finally, the target model is obtained from the created model by a pullback construction. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.