Abstract
By bridging the semantic gap, domain-specific language (DSLs) serve an important role in the conquest to allow domain experts to model their systems themselves. In this publication we present a case study of the development of the Continuous REactive SysTems language (CREST), a DSL for hybrid systems modeling. The language focuses on the representation of continuous resource flows such as water, electricity, light or heat. Our methodology follows a very pragmatic approach, combining the syntactic and semantic principles of well-known modeling means such as hybrid automata, data-flow languages and architecture description languages into a coherent language. The borrowed aspects have been carefully combined and formalised in a well-defined operational semantics. The DSL provides two concrete syntaxes: CREST diagrams, a graphical language that is easily understandable and serves as a model basis, and crestdsl, an internal DSL implementation that supports rapid prototyping—both are geared towards usability and clarity. We present the DSL’s semantics, which thoroughly connect the various language concerns into an executable formalism that enables sound simulation and formal verification in crestdsl, and discuss the lessons learned throughout the project.
Highlights
Modeling and simulation are used by engineers to design, probe and verify their systems before construction, thereby reducing design flaws and increasing the development speed
In this article we describe the development of the Continuous REactive SysTems language (CREST), a domainspecific modeling language (DSML) [69] for the hybrid modeling of cyber-physical systems (CPSs)
CREST is a hybrid domain-specific language (DSL) created for the modeling of cyber-physical system (CPS) whose components primarily interact through the exchange of physical resource flows such as water, heat or electricity
Summary
Modeling and simulation are used by engineers to design, probe and verify their systems before construction, thereby reducing design flaws and increasing the development speed. From large monolithic installations such as oil platforms to wide, distributed networks (e.g. electrical power grids), to intricate robotic designs for medical applications, the use of these modeling techniques is indispensable. To aid the process of model creation, system engineers rely on a broad set of formalisms, languages and tools. Consciousness of this problem led to an increased interest in domain-specific modeling solutions. Existing products are modified to more closely represent the needed system features, rather than generic concepts. The semantic gap describes this “distance” between a model and the original installation.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
