Towards a Cognizant Virtual Software Modeling Assistant using Model Clones

Abstract

We present our new ideas on taking the first steps towards cultivating synergy between model-driven engineering (MDE), machine learning, and software clones. Specifically, we describe our vision in realizing a cognizant virtual software modeling assistant that uses the latter two to improve software design and MDE. Software engineering has benefited greatly from knowledge-based cognizant source code completion and assistance, but MDE has few and limited analogous capabilities. We outline our research directions by describing our vision for a prototype assistant that provides suggestions to modelers performing model creation or extension in the form of 1) complete models for insertion or guidance, and 2) granular single-step operations. These suggestions are derived by detecting clones of the in-progress model and existing domain, organizational, and exemplar models. We overview our envisioned workflow between modeler and assistant, and, using Simulink as an example, illustrate different manifestations including multiple overlays with percentages and employing variant elements.