Rich meta object facility formal integration platform: syntax, semantics and implementation

Abstract

Traditionally formal papers bridge interpretation gaps of informal OMG specifications. The papers are often not holistic but rather concentrate on certain aspects of the original specification. This increases often the gap between research and practice because it is difficult to understand and combine different semantic methodologies. This paper formalizes and extends the Meta Object Facility of the Object Management Group towards a platform to explore and combine formal methodologies. The extension focuses primarily on algorithms with an action language to define all kinds of normative and desired behavior. The methodology includes mechanisms to support arbitrary dependent language layers. Exemplary syntax and semantics of the methodology is introduced on base of the original specifications. This is complemented by an implementation supporting the graphical definition and simulation of instantiated models. The platform binding is supported by code generators allowing the easy connection of powerful analysis techniques. The platform binding can be done on all layers finding the optimal mixture between independent semantic variants currently in the discussion and established dependent semantic variants strengthening the bridge between research and practice.