Possible Uses for the M2M SDK

An overview of the possible uses of M2M SDK.

This document describes the challenges faced when developing model transformation mechanisms; basic and user concepts of a new and practical tool used to face these challenges will also be covered.

The tool provides a configuration and runtime environment for configuring and executing model transformations, primarily between Innovator models but also between Innovator-external models. The tool contains a framework that you can use as a starting point for programming your own complex model transformations; this is why it is known as the model-to-model software development kit (M2M-SDK).

Apart from general advantages of using automated model transformations (see see "Model Transformations and Their Uses"), the following can also be gleaned from using this tool:

• A role concept with the roles M2M transformer, M2M configurator and SDK developer has been introduced; this sees the skill sets needed for the development of model transformations concentrated into various roles. The normal user no longer has to bother with requirements applicable to model transformation specialists.
• An easy to use configuration interface makes it simple to configure most model transformations. It is a lot easier than previous approaches.
• Complex model transformations can be programmed which means that SDK developers can better get to grips with dependencies between model elements than was the case with a solely declarative solution. The SDK developer can integrate any number of Java libraries within the M2M-SDK and access their functionality. A framework for developing model transformations means that SDK developers are supported considerably when developing their own model transformations.
• The various transformation modes, Extend, Simulate, Interconnect and Update, enable M2M-SDK to be implemented for various tasks. Not only can you transform a model from scratch or update the transformed model, you can now also show the results of a model transformation in a preview window without having to persist it straight away - with Innovator models in particular. Two existing models can be weaved together at a later stage or results of the extension of the initial selection of model elements can be shown.
• The framework is based on the theory of algebraic graph transformation which gives it a trusted scientific basis for assuring that the realized solution is correct.
• As a result of introducing a client-server architecture that allows the M2M-SDK transformation engine to be put on the same machine as the Innovator repository which contains the models to be transformed, it is possible to achieve a high level of performance when executing model transformations.