COMPOSITIONAL SPECIFICATION OF BEHAVIORAL SEMANTICS FOR DOMAIN-SPECIFIC MODELING LANGUAGES

Abstract

Domain-Specific Modeling Languages (DSMLs) play a fundamental role in the model-based design of embedded software and systems. While abstract syntax metamodeling enables the rapid and inexpensive development of DSMLs, the specification of DSML semantics is still a hard problem. In previous work, we have developed methods and tools for the semantic anchoring of DSMLs. Semantic anchoring introduces a set of reusable "semantic units" that provide reference semantics for basic behavioral categories using the Abstract State Machine framework. In this paper, we extend the semantic anchoring framework to heterogeneous behaviors by exploring methods for the composition of semantic units. Semantic unit composition reduces the required effort from DSML designers and improves the quality of the specification. The proposed method is demonstrated through a case study. Formal notions of compositionality are discussed as well as a brief comparison with similar research tools.