Variability within Modeling Language Definitions

TL;DR

This paper introduces a taxonomy and framework for classifying, documenting, and managing variability in modeling languages, enhancing understanding and customization of languages like UML.

Contribution

It provides a systematic taxonomy and a framework to explicitly document and manage variability points in modeling languages, aiding customization and analysis.

Findings

Taxonomy classifies variability mechanisms across syntax, semantics, and mapping.

Framework enables systematic documentation and management of variabilities.

Supports tailored language customization for specific application domains.

Abstract

We present a taxonomy of the variability mechanisms offered by modeling languages. The definition of a formal language encompasses a syntax and a semantic domain as well as the mapping that relates them, thus language variabilities are classified according to which of those three pillars they address. This work furthermore proposes a framework to explicitly document and manage the variation points and their corresponding variants of a variable modeling language. The framework enables the systematic study of various kinds of variabilities and their interdependencies. Moreover, it allows a methodical customization of a language, for example, to a given application domain. The taxonomy of variability is explicitly of interest for the UML to provide a more precise understanding of its variation points.