Extensive validation of OCL models by integrating SAT solving into USE

Abstract

The Object Constraint Language (OCL) substantially enriches modeling languages like UML, MOF or EMF with respect to formulating meaningful model properties. In model-centric approaches, an accurately defined model is a requisite for further use. During development of a model, continuous validation of properties and feedback to developers is required, since many design flaws can then be directly discovered and corrected. For this purpose, lightweight validation approaches which allow developers to perform automatic model analysis are particularly helpful. We provide a new method for efficiently searching for model instances. The existence or non-existence of model instances with certain properties allows significant conclusions about model properties. Our approach is based on the translation of UML and OCL concepts into relational logic and its realization with SAT solvers. We explain various use cases of our proposal, for example, completion of partly defined model instances so that particular properties hold in the completed model instances. Our proposal is realized by integrating a model validator as a plugin into the UML and OCL tool USE. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.