Graphical representation and manipulation of complex structures based on a formal model

Abstract

Complex information structures can often be represented by diagrams. Diagrams (e.g., trees for hierarchical structures, or graphs for finite state machines) are useful as part of user interfaces of information systems and CASE tools. Beyond representation, manipulation by interactively editing diagrams should be possible. The implementation of editors for diagrams should be supported by a tool and based on a formal model. This paper gives an overview of our generator for diagram editors. An editor for a certain kind of diagrams is generated from a specification, which includes a grammar to describe the structure of diagrams. The user of a diagram editor, however, doesn't have to be concerned with the grammar, but can manipulate diagrams in a very convenient way.