Generative Software Development

TL;DR

This paper discusses the role of domain-specific languages and UML in model-based software generation, emphasizing language development, code generation, and process integration.

Contribution

It presents positions on generative software development using DSLs and UML, focusing on language creation, modularity, and transformation techniques.

Findings

Development of formal DSLs with meta-models and semantics

Modular and compositional approaches to language development

Overview of DSLs' relevance across software development steps

Abstract

Generation of software from modeling languages such as UML and domain specific languages (DSLs) has become an important paradigm in software engineering. In this contribution, we present some positions on software development in a model based, generative manner based on home grown DSLs as well as the UML. This includes development of DSLs as well as development of models in these languages in order to generate executable code, test cases or models in different languages. Development of formal DSLs contains concepts of meta-models or grammars (syntax), context conditions (static analysis and quality assurance) as well as possibilities to define the semantics of a language. The growing number and complexity of DSLs is addressed by concepts for the modular and compositional development of languages and their tools. Moreover, we introduce approaches to code generation and model transformation. Finally, we give an overview of the relevance of DSLs for various steps of software development processes.