Model-Driven Engineering for Delta-Oriented Software Product Lines

Abstract

Software product line engineering (SPLE) is an approach in software development that produces various products based on commonality and variability. SPLE maintains the product variations within two main phases: domain engineering and application engineering. Lack of adequate technology and tools support is one of the problems in adopting SPLE. In this research, a model-driven approach based on delta-oriented programming is proposed for SPLE. The process starts with the domain analysis phase by defining a feature diagram and Unified Modeling Language (UML) based on existing systems. While those models represent the problem domain, delta-oriented programming with abstract behavioral specification? (ABS) language is used in the solution domain. This approach is supported by automated model transformations, which transform the feature diagram and UML to ABS models. A code generator mechanism is also used to produce a running application based on ABS models. When the user selects features in this application, our tools generate the running application based on those selections. We provide a running example, a charity organization system, as a case study. Therefore, this research proposes an entire SPLE process based on a model-driven approach that covers the problem and solution domains and produces a running application.