Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
The passage of conceptual models to practical applications occurs via a
succession of model transformations based on an MDA type approach; see
Figure 9.1. In fact, the model transformations represent the main asset of the MDA
methodology as they are the ones that are a reflection of the know-how and the
methodologies used within a development structure. This is why the OMG
recommends modeling model transformations themselves in order to ensure quality
and to ensure the durability of agreed investments in the implementation of an MDA
approach. This requirement is very well explained in [CLA 04]. As far as we are
concerned, we are interested from the point of view of the human-machine
interactions (HMI).
Technical models independent of the HMI platforms
Model of the final application for a specific HMI platform
Figure 9.1.
Global representation of the MDA approach
from the point of view of the HMI
Through the use of three abstraction levels, the MDA approach aims to separate
the functional logic associated with application of the technology used in order to
carry a task out. The objective is to delete the link between the functional aspects of
applications and the associated coding, thus facilitating their interoperability, all the
while making them less sensitive to technological evolutions. The passage from one
level to another is done with the help of model transformations, enabling each stage
to enrich the models of the previous level with the necessary and sufficient technical
information. This transformation is today carried out automatically or semi-
automatically with the help of tools such as VIATRA (
VIsual Automated model
TRAnsformations
) or ATL (
Atlas Transformation Language
)
1
. As there are many
tools enabling us to carry out model transformations, we can refer to [CZA 06] for a
presentation and a classification of them.
In the context of the modeling of interactive applications, few works have
initially put forward a true MDA-type approach, even though the benefit of using
this type of approach has been demonstrated [PER 07], [SOT 05], [SOT 06],
1 Both accessible on the website, http://www.eclipse.org/projects/project_summary.php?
projectid=modeling.gmt.umlx).
