Efficient model synchronization by automatically constructed repair processes

Abstract

Model synchronization, i.e., the task of restoring consistency between two interrelated models after a model change, is a challenging task. Triple Graph Grammars (TGGs) specify model consistency by means of rules. They can be used to automatically derive specifications of edit operations for single models and repair rules that propagate model changes to related models. model (re-)synchronization activities more effectively, a construction mechanism for short-cut rules has been recently developed. They describe consistency-preserving complex edit operations across model boundaries. We show that edit and repair rules can be derived from short-cut rules. As proof of concept, we implemented the construction and application of short-cut edit and repair rules in eMoflon. Our evaluation shows that short-cut-rule-based repair processes have considerably decreased data loss and improved runtime compared to former model synchronization processes in eMoflon.