Abstract
UML diagrams are divided into different perspectives in modelling a problem domain. Preserving coevolution among these diagrams is very crucial so that they can be updated continuously to reflect software changes. Formal methods such as Coloured Petri Nets (CPNs) are widely used in detecting and handling coevolution between software artifacts. Although ample progress has been made, it still remains much work to be done in further improving the effectiveness and accuracy of the state-of-the-art coevolution techniques in managing changes in UML diagrams. In this research, a set of 84 coevolution patterns for supporting coevolution among UML diagrams are proposed to trace the diagrams’ inconsistencies and to determine the change impact incrementally after updating diagrams elements. Coevolution patterns are applied to UML class, object, activity, statechart, and sequence diagrams to cover the different perspectives of UML diagrams. The researcher uses CPNs as a formal language of modelling case study models for the proposed patterns. CPNs tools simulation and monitoring toolboxes are used to validate and monitor the proposed coevolution patterns models and to collect quantitative data about the patterns.
Highlights
Software engineers continue to face challenges in designing adaptive and flexible software systems that can cope with requirements change
The results show that the relation between the class diagram and other models is strong
The proposed patterns can be applied to detect the diagram elements affected by a change in a system design modelled using UML diagrams
Summary
Software engineers continue to face challenges in designing adaptive and flexible software systems that can cope with requirements change. It is our concern to address the coevolution and inconsistency problems discussed It is the aim of this research to propose an efficient coevolution patterns for supporting coevolution between UML diagrams. The proposed pattern design enables comprehensive modelling for changes in UML diagrams and provides coevolution patterns for all type of change including the change impact and traceability analysis for UML diagram changes (i.e. it improves pattern support in software analysis and design). It provides a new structure for the CPNs to support model changes and it increases the structuring capabilities of CPNs. This section introduces the research context. Conclusions are drawn and suggested recommendations for some potential future research areas are highlighted
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