Continuous model validation using reference attribute grammars

Abstract

Just like current software systems, models are characterised by increasing complexity and rate of change. Yet, these models only become useful if they can be continuously evaluated and validated. To achieve sufficiently low response times for large models, incremental analysis is required. Reference Attribute Grammars (RAGs) offer mechanisms to perform an incremental analysis efficiently using dynamic dependency tracking. However, not all features used in conceptual modelling are directly available in RAGs. In particular, support for non-containment model relations is only available through manual implementation. We present an approach to directly model uni- and bidirectional non-containment relations in RAGs and provide efficient means for navigating and editing them. This approach is evaluated using a scalable benchmark for incremental model editing and the JastAdd RAG system. Our work demonstrates the suitability of RAGs for validating complex and continuously changing models of current software systems.