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A metamodeling language supporting subset and union properties

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Abstract

In this article, we describe successive versions of a metamodeling language using a set-theoretic formalization. We focus on language extension mechanisms, particularly on the relatively new subset and union properties of MOF 2.0 and the UML 2.0 Infrastructure. We use Liskov substitutability as the rationale for our formalization. We also show that property redefinitions are not a safe language extension mechanism. Each language version provides new features, and we note how such features cannot be mixed arbitrarily. Instead, constraints over the metamodel and model structures must be established. We expect that this article provides a better understanding of the foundations of MOF 2.0, which is necessary to define new extensions, model transformation languages and tools.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. TUCS Turku Centre for Computer Science, Department of Information Technologies, Åbo Akademi University, Joukahaisenkatu 3–5, 20520, Turku, Finland

    Marcus Alanen & Ivan Porres

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  1. Marcus Alanen
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  2. Ivan Porres
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Correspondence to Marcus Alanen.

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Communicated by Dr. Jean-Michel Bruel.

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Alanen, M., Porres, I. A metamodeling language supporting subset and union properties. Softw Syst Model 7, 103–124 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10270-007-0049-9

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