Formalizing UML/OCL structural features with FoCaLiZe

Abstract

Unified Modeling Language (UML) is the de facto standard for the development of software models, and Object Constraint Language (OCL) is used within UML models to specify model constraints. Several UML/OCL tools provide Model-Driven Engineering transformation into general object-oriented programming languages such as Java and C++. But the latter did not provide mechanisms for the specification and the verification of OCL constraints. In this context, formal methods are largely used for the specification of UML/OCL models and the verification of their OCL constraints. However, the divergence between UML (object-oriented modeling) and formal methods (mathematical- and logical-based tools) leads in general to ignore most UML/OCL architectural and conceptual features such as OCL constraints simple and multiple inheritance, late binding, template binding and dependencies. To address the formalization of these features, we have used FoCaLiZe, an object-oriented development environment using a proof-based formal approach. More precisely, we propose a formal transformation of the essential UML/OCL features into FoCaLiZe specifications. The derived formal model reflects perfectly the structural features of the original UML/OCL model. In addition, it is possible to check and prove model properties using Zenon, the automatic theorem prover of FoCaLiZe.