Event-Driven Inconsistency Detection Between UML Class and Sequence Diagrams

TL;DR

Harmony Validator is a real-time, event-driven tool integrated into UML modeling environments that automatically detects and reports inconsistencies between class and sequence diagrams, aiding education and improving model accuracy.

Contribution

The paper introduces Harmony Validator, a novel plugin that continuously monitors UML models for inconsistencies, enhancing teaching and learning of software modeling.

Findings

Improves understanding of UML model consistency

Supports real-time inconsistency detection during modeling

Enhances reflective learning in software engineering education

Abstract

Modeling is a central and demanding activity in software engineering that requires skills such as abstraction, consistency maintenance, and precise communication. These skills are difficult to master and even harder to teach effectively. Educators and students often struggle to understand and manage inconsistencies that arise during the modeling process. To address this challenge, we present \texttt{Harmony Validator}, a tool integrated as a plugin for the Papyrus modeling environment, designed to automatically detect and report inconsistencies in UML models, including class and sequence diagrams. The tool adopts an event-driven architecture that continuously monitors modeling actions and notifies users of emerging inconsistencies in real time. This approach enhances awareness of model integrity and supports the iterative refinement of design artifacts. The paper describes the architecture, detection mechanisms, and usage scenarios of Harmony Validator. It also includes a case study conducted with students in a software engineering course to evaluate the perceived usefulness and benefits of UML modeling in teaching and learning. Our results indicate that Harmony Validator fosters a better understanding of model consistency and promotes reflective learning practices in software modeling education.