More Than Two Decades of Research on Verification of UML Class Models: A Systematic Literature Review

Asadullah Shaikh,Mesfer Alrizq,Abdullah Alghamdi,Asif Ali Wagan,Mana Saleh Al Reshan,Abdul Hafeez

doi:10.1109/access.2021.3121222

Asadullah Shaikh, Mesfer Alrizq + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2021.3121222

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Abstract

Error checking is easy and inexpensive in the initial stages as compared to later stages due to when the development cycle precedes the development cost and efforts also increase. UML class model is a key element of modern software methodologies and creates in the initial stage of software development. Therefore, error detection and rectification of the UML class model may save software development costs and time. This paper presents an overview of UML Class model verification approaches and identifies open issues, current research trends, and other improvement areas. This study uses a systematic literature review as an investigation method with six research questions and assesses 65 papers dated January 1997 to December 2020. From 2124 published research papers, 65 papers are selected and distributed into 7 studies. This work provides an analysis of verification approaches and the automation level of proposed approaches. As a result, it is found that the existing UML class model verification methods provide great efforts to check correctness. However, in some situations (when dealing with large and complex models), they consume a significant amount of time and do not support many important features of the UML class model.

Highlights

Model Derive Engineering (MDE) is a software development methodology where the software model is considered the nucleus of software development activities
Unified Modeling Language (UML) class model is an integral part of UML [4] [22] [23] [27]–[32], and it is widely used in the industry [27]
This study is based on a systematic review of UML class model verification literature with and without OCL constraints

Summary

Introduction

Model Derive Engineering (MDE) is a software development methodology where the software model is considered the nucleus of software development activities. In the MDE, software specifications are stated through abstract models. These models are initially built platform-neutral and are known as Platform Independent Model (PIM) [1]. PIM models are gradually refined and transformed into the Platform Specific Model (PSM). The programming code is generated (semi)automatically by the PSM models [1]. The MDE approach has some limitations, such as the PIM model is developed in the preliminary phases of software development. There is a possibility that a PIM model will be built with errors, and these errors will be move implicitly into the PSM model and code.

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