Taylor-Made Modeling and Solution of Novel Process Units by Modular CAPE-OPEN-based Flowsheeting

Background: Code s generation tools such as GitHub Copilot have received attention due to their performance in generating code. Generally, a prior analysis of their performance is needed to select new code-generation tools from a list of candidates. Without such analysis, there is a higher risk of selecting an ineffective tool, which would negatively affect software development productivity. Additionally, conducting prior analysis of new code generation tools is often time-consuming. Aim: To use a new code generation tool without prior analysis but with low risk, we propose to evaluate the new tools during software development (i.e., online optimization). Method: We apply the bandit algorithm (BA) approach to help select the best code suggestion or generation tool among a list of candidates. Developers evaluate whether the result of the tool is correct or not. When code generation and evaluation are repeated, the evaluation results are saved. We utilize the stored evaluation results to select the best tool based on the BA approach. In our preliminary analysis, we evaluated five tools with 164 code-generation cases using BA. Result: BA approach selected ChatGPT as the best tool as the evaluation proceeded, and during the evaluation, the average accuracy by BA approach outperformed the second-best performing tool. Our results reveal the feasibility and effectiveness of BA in assisting the selection of best-performing code suggestion or generation tools.

A distributed software development team generally requires collaborative modeling tools to support its modeling activities. We investigated and found an increasing number of tools that support advanced collaborative modeling. We study the current state of modeling tools and identify functionalities which make collaboration in distributed software development teams efficient. In this article, we report our initial findings and discuss a strategy to select collaborative software modeling tools for distributed software teams.

Automatic generation of software code from system design models remains an actively explored research area for the past several years. A number of tools are currently available to facilitate and automate the task of generating code from software models. To the best of our knowledge, existing software tools rely on an explicitly defined transformation rule set to perform the model-to-code transformation process. In this paper, we introduce a novel tool named Code Swarm, abbreviated as CodS, that automatically generates implementation code from system design models by utilizing a swarm-based approach. Specifically, CodS is capable of generating Java code from the class and state models of the software system by making use of the previously solved model-to-code transformation examples. Our tool enables the designers to specify behavioural actions in the input models using the Action Specification Language (ASL). We use an industrial case study of the Elevator Control System (ECS) to perform the experimental validation of our tool. Our results indicate that the code generated by CodS is correct and consistent with the input design models. CodS performs the process of automatic code generation without taking the explicit transformation rule set or languages metamodels’ information as input, which distinguishes it from all the existing automatic code generation tools.

The increasing reliance on automatic code generation integrated with Generative AI technology has raised new challenges for cybersecurity defense against code injection, insecure code templates, and adversarial manipulation of an AI model. These risks make developing advanced frameworks imperative to ensure secure, reliable, and privacy-preserving code generation processes. The paper presents a novel Hybrid Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) Framework to alleviate the cybersecurity risks associated with the automatic code generation using Generative AI. The proposed framework integrates the predictive capability of ANN and structured analysis of ISM for the identification, evaluation, and treatment of common vulnerabilities and risks in automatic code generation. We first conduct a multivocal literature review (MLR) to identify cybersecurity risks and generative AI practices for addressing these risks in automatic code generation. Then we conduct a questionnaire survey to identify and validate the identified risks and practices. An expert panel review was then assigned for the process of ANN-ISM. The ANN model can predict potential security risks by learning from historical data and code generation patterns. ISM is used to (1) structure and visualize (2) relations between identified risks and mitigation approaches and (3) offer a combined, multi-layered risk management methodology. We then perform an in-depth examination of the framework with a case study of an AI-based code generation company. We further determine its practicality and usefulness in real-world settings. The case study results show that the framework efficiently handles the primary cybersecurity challenges, such as injection attacks, code quality, backdoors, and lack of input validation. The analysis characterizes the maturity of several mitigation practices and areas for improvement for security integration with automatic code generation functionality. Advanced risk mitigation is enabled in the framework across multiple process areas, where techniques such as static code analysis, automated penetration testing, and adversarial training hold much promise. The Hybrid ANN-ISM Mechanism is a stable and flexible solution for cybersecurity risk reduction in automatic code generation environments. The coupling of ANN and ISM, in terms of predictive analysis and structured risk management, respectively, contributes effectively towards the security of AI-based code generation tools. More research is required to improve the scalability, privacy preserving, and dynamic integration of the framework with cybersecurity threat intelligence.

Formal methods are very efficient techniques for formal verification of a specification and to find errors in early stage of the system development. In order to generate a high quality code from a formal specification particularly in the embedded system is highly indispensable and a de-facto standard in many industrial application domains, such as medical, avionics and automotive control. This paper presents automatic source code generation from the developed formal specifications of a cardiac pacemaker. Cardiac pacing system is a Grand Challenge in the area of Software Verification. This paper includes an architecture of automatic code generation tool, summary of a formal development of the cardiac pacemaker using refinement techniques in Event-B, code generation of the developed formal model into C, C++, Java and C\# using code generation tool EB2ALL, and finally the code compilation and execution.

The model-based approach has been widely applied to the design of software. However, most of these approaches depend on simulation and manual code implementation, which reduces the efficiency and quality of software. In this paper, we present a new model-based approach, which automatically generates the executable C++ code running on the popular Robot Operation System (ROS). Our approach consists of three phases: modeling, verification, and automatic code generation. In the modeling phase, the internal interaction behaviors of robot systems are modeled as a network of timed automata. In the verification phase, the safety requirements are formalized and verified. In the code generation phase, a code generation tool can generate executable C++ code from the verified timed automata model. It bridges the gap between the formal model and the error-prone system implementation. Compared with existing method, the code generator provides the abstractions and mapping of ROS instructions, which realize the seamless connection between the generated code and ROS. The tool also supports most of the complex structures and advanced features of timed automata such as timer, committed location, and synchronous action. For evaluation, a real-industrial robot application of grasping a cup is conducted using our model-based design method, and the generated code can be directly deployed and successfully accomplishes the grasping task.

"Software development is an important area in software engineering, which is why a wide range of techniques, methods, and approaches has emerged to facilitate software development automation. This paper presents an analysis and evaluation of tools for automated software development and automatic code generation in order to determine whether they meet a set of quality metrics. Diverse quality metrics were considered such as effectiveness, productivity, safety, and satisfaction in order to carry out a qualitative and quantitative evaluation. The tools evaluated are CASE tools, frameworks, and Integrated Development Environments (IDEs). The evaluation was conducted to measure not only the tools’ ability to be employed, but also their support for automated software development and automatic source code generation. The aim of this work is to provide a methodology and a brief review of the most important works to identify the main features of these works and present a comparative evaluation in qualitative and quantitative terms of quality metrics. This would provide software developers with the information they need to decide the tools that can be useful for them."

In this paper incorporating manual and automatic code generation is discussed. A solution for automatic metadata-driven code generation is presented illustrated with multi tier Enterprise Resource Planning System. We intend to make our solution available to public in order to encourage investigation of code generation and schema-driven tools for .NET Framework.

CPSiCGF: A code generation framework for CPS integration modeling

This chapter demonstrates how high-level code is automatically generated for multi-core processors. The code generation capability of the Verifiable Embedded Real-Time Application Framework (VERTAF) was extended to support multi-core processors in the new VERTAF/Multi-Core (VMC) framework for embedded systems. After users specify embedded software requirements via SysML models along with parallel task, parallel data, and parallel dataflow specifications, the code generator automatically generates parallel code. Using the digital video recording (DVR) system as a case study, we show the correctness and advantages of the VMC code generator. The main inputs of VMC code generator include the block definition diagrams, state machine diagrams, and requirement diagrams of the system to be designed. The proposed code generation in VMC not only significantly decreases the amount of manually-written code, but also provides a formal procedure for model-conforming code generation of multi-core embedded software.

The event driven systems can be modeled and implemented using UML state chart diagrams. Code generation tools are used in the software development for making software system designs and for automatically generating skeletal source code from the system designs. Many research works concentrate on the automatic code generation from the state diagrams. Unfortunately the existing Object oriented languages do not support the direct implementation of state diagrams. We cannot find a one to one mapping between elements in the state chart diagram and the Object oriented programming constructs. The two main components of state diagram that cannot be effectively implemented in object oriented way is state hierarchy and concurrency. In this paper, we present an implementation pattern for the state diagram which includes both hierarchical and concurrent states. The state transitions of parallel states are delegated to the composite state class. We implemented the proposed approach and compared with similar tools and the result is promising.

Domain-specific languages (DSLs) are modeling languages that are customized for a specific context or project. DSLs allow for fast and precise modeling because the language features and constructs can be precisely tailored based on the needs of the modeling effort. There exist highly customizable model-editing tools that can be easily configured to support DSLs defined by end-users (e.g., system architects, engineers, and analysts). However, to leverage models created using these tools for automated analysis, simulation, and code generation, end-users must build custom analysis tools and code generators. In contrast to model editors, the implementation and maintenance of these analysis and code generation tools can be tedious and hampers the utility of DSLs. In this paper, we posit that analysis and code generation tools for DSLs are, in fact, isomorphic to model editing tools. The implication of this insight is that model editors, analysis tools, and code generators can be treated as analogs conceptually and architecturally, and highly customizable analysis and code generation tools for DSLs can be built using the same approach that has already proven successful for the construction of DSL model editors.

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the goal, which is to construct a user interface for CERIF‐compatible research management systems in an automated way. The system has to support all data items defined by the CERIF data model. The result of the automated construction is a functioning software system that can be customised according to the specific needs by manual changes in the program code.Design/methodology/approachThe Model‐Driven Architecture (MDA) approach to software engineering is based on the idea of automated construction of software applications based on the model of a system. System modelling usually utilises the Unified Modelling Language (UML). A specific UML profile (extension) used for describing user interface‐related aspects of the system model is defined. It is used to define the behaviour of the user interface in the model itself. By relying on the concept of a standard generic screen form implementing common data management operations and tools for automatic code generation it is possible to obtain a fully functional software application that is completely defined by the system model.FindingsA proposal of an automated user interface construction method for CERIF‐compatible research management systems is defined. The proposed application enables the management of all CERIF‐specified data items and facilitates the customisation of the model according to the specific needs. The customisation process is automated by using the tools for user interface code generation based on human‐computer interaction (HCI) standard defining the layout and behaviour of generic screen forms. The amount of automatically generated application functionality justifies the use of the model‐driven approach to software development.Practical implicationsUsing the model of a system it is possible to efficiently produce a functional software application that can further be customised according to the needs of specific institutions and users. The customisation process itself is made efficient since it is iteratively performed using the same cycles of modelling and software generation. The proposed method for automated user interface construction is used for implementing the web application for research management at the University of Novi Sad.Originality/valueA proposal for efficient software system development and its customisation is given. This way a software application is obtained that can be quickly adapted to new requirements and used in different research management systems based on a CERIF‐compatible data model.

Wind energy has the advantages of wide distribution, renewable, and non-polluting, so it is receiving more and more attention from more and more countries. As more and more wind power systems are integrated into the grid, it has an impact on the stability of the grid. To keep the power system stable, there is an urgent need for a grid simulator that can simulate various behaviors of the grid and test the reliability of the wind turbine before grid integration. Inverters, especially multilevel inverters, as the core part of the grid simulator, have been widely studied by scholars in recent years. However, compared to conventional inverters, multilevel inverters are characterized by high code development effort, great difficulty, and a long development period. In this paper, we adopt an automatic DSP code generation method with MATLAB hardware support package and give a complete system design method and development flow based on MATLAB and TMSF28335 automatic code generation. Finally, we take the closed-loop three-level MMC inverter as an example, propose an equalization algorithm suitable for automatic code generation for the capacitor-voltage balancing part, and verify the feasibility of the DSP automatic code generation in a multilevel inverter development. The feasibility of DSP automatic code generation in the development of a multilevel inverter is verified. The experimental results show that the proposed equalization algorithm with variable reference coefficient and DSP automatic code generation method can be used in the development of a multilevel inverter, which can improve development efficiency and reduce development costs.

This work contributes in bridging the gap between software design and implementation of component-based systems using software architectures at the modelling/design level and the coordination paradigm at the implementation level. Exploiting the improvements realized by the latest version of UML, we present a methodology for automating the transition from software architecture design of component-based systems described in UML 2.0 to coordination code. The presented methodology is further enhanced with a code generation tool that fully automates the production of the complete code implementing the coordination-communication part of software systems modelled with UML 2.0.