Automated Generation of OCL Constraints: NL based Approach vs Pattern Based Approach

Muhammad Anwar Shahzada,Imran Sarwar Bajwa

doi:10.22581/muet1982.1702.04

Muhammad Anwar Shahzada, Imran Sarwar Bajwa

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.22581/muet1982.1702.04

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Abstract

This paper presents an approach used for automated generations of software constraints. In this model, the SBVR (Semantics of Business Vocabulary and Rules) based semi-formal representation is obtained from the syntactic and semantic analysis of a NL (Natural Language) (such as English) sentence. A SBVR representation is easy to translate to other formal languages as SBVR is based on higher-order logic like other formal languages such as OCL (Object Constraint Language). The proposed model endows with a systematic and powerful system of incorporating NL knowledge on the formal languages. A prototype is constructed in Java (an Eclipse plug-in) as a proof of the concept. The performance was tested for a few sample texts taken from existing research thesis reports and books.

Highlights

The UML (Unified Modeling Language) [1] is widely considered as a de facto standard family of languages for specifying, modelling, constructing and documenting object-oriented software and systems
OCL plays a key role in UML modelling for expressing essential constraints to make UML models well-defined
This research paper presents a framework for dynamic generation of the OCL constraints from the NL specification provided by the user

Summary

Introduction

The UML (Unified Modeling Language) [1] is widely considered as a de facto standard family of languages for specifying, modelling, constructing and documenting object-oriented software and systems. Popularity of UML is often attributed to its semi-formal nature. It is argued that UML is not formal enough to demand deep knowledge of formal methods that inhibits practically minded software engineers from using it. Usability is seen as a major feature of the UML. OCL [2], which is one of the languages in UML, is a clear exception to this argument. OCL plays a key role in UML modelling for expressing essential constraints to make UML models well-defined. It is a common knowledge that OCL is the least adopted amongst all languages in UML [3]

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