Formalization of e-commerce patterns using state-based and event-based approaches

Abstract

Due to complex and heterogeneous nature of a software being used in present-day scenario, the need for developing solution to the design related problems, where solutions were made earlier can be reused in a recurring manner. For solving various design problems, it is observed that design pattern helps to find a better solution to many of the recurring design problems. Generally, design patterns are specified using semi-formal notation, such as UML (Unified Modeling Language). But these types of semi-formal notations sometimes lead to ambiguities and inconsistencies. In this study, an attempt has been made to present design patterns for a case study on e-Commerce system and formalize the notations of patterns using a state-based approach i.e., Alloy as well as an event-based approach i.e., Colored Petri Nets (CPNs). The structural aspect of patterns is specified by using UML (Unified Modeling Language) class diagram. At the end of this study, a comparative analysis has been made between performance of models such as Alloy and CPNs for the modeling of design patterns.