A language-independent model query tool

Abstract

This paper introduces a prototype implementing a visual graph-based model query language. Querying models refers to identifying particular fragments in the model that comply with a predefined pattern query. The language takes advantage of the fact that models of any type and modelling language can conceptually be represented as a labeled graph. As a consequence the query language remains flexible and is not restricted to specific model types or languages. The language supports topologically exact as well as similar pattern matching and includes additional constraints and attributes in the matching process. In doing so, the language is applicable to many different analysis tasks. Following the design science approach we develop and demonstrate a prototype of such a language which allows for visually defining a pattern query and visually representing the results of the pattern matching process. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.