QVT

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QVT Architecture

QVT (Query/View/Transformation), in the model-driven architecture, is a standard for model transformation defined by the Object Management Group.

Contents

[edit] Overview

Model transformation is the process of converting a model Ma conforming to metamodel MMa into a model Mb conforming to metamodel MMb. If MMa=MMb, then the transformation is endogenous, otherwise it is an exogenous transformation. Model transformation is a critical component of model-driven architectures (MDA). Recognizing this, a Request for proposal (RFP) has been issued by OMG on MOF Query/View/Transformation to seek a standard compatible with the MDA recommendation suite (UML, MOF, OCL, etc.).

Several replies were given by a number of companies and research institutions that evolved during three years to produce a common proposal that was submitted and approved.

Presently there are several products (commercial or open source) that claim compliance to the QVT standard. QVT defines a standard way to transform source models into target models. There are several ideas in this proposal. One is that the source and target models may conform to arbitrary MOF metamodels. Another one is that the transformation program is considered itself as a model, and as a consequence also conforms to a MOF metamodel. This means more precisely that the abstract syntax of QVT should conform to a MOF 2.0 metamodel.

As a matter of fact, this is a bit more complex. First the QVT language integrates the OCL 2.0 standard and also extends it to imperative OCL. Second QVT defines not one but three domain-specific languages named Relations, Core and Operational Mappings and these languages are organized in a layered architecture. Relations and Core are declarative languages at two different levels of abstraction, with a normative mapping between them. The Relations language has a textual and a graphical concrete syntax. The QVT/OperationalMapping language is an imperative language that extends both QVT/Relations and QVT/Core. The syntax of the QVT/OperationalMappings language provides constructs commonly found in imperative languages (loops, conditions, etc.).

Finally a mechanism called QVT/BlackBox for invoking transformation facilities expressed in other languages (XSLT, XQuery) is also an important part of the specification. It is especially useful for integrating existing non-QVT libraries and transformations.

For the time being the QVT standard only addresses model to model transformations, model meaning some entity conforming to any MOF 2.0 metamodel. All transformations of type model to text or text to model, whatever the text is (XML, Code, SQL, etc.), are presently outside the scope of QVT and possibly subject to other standardization initiatives. They may be viewed as alternative transformation DSLs in the MDA technical space.

[edit] Implementations

QVT-Operational:

  • Borland Together is a component in the M2M Eclipse project. Partially QVT-compliant.
  • SmartQVT: an Eclipse open source implementation (Orange Labs) of the QVT-Operational language. QVT compliant and high potential.
  • Eclipse M2M official Eclipse open source implementation of QVT operational (Relation and Core will be developed on another subproject) M2M QVT operational Wiki

QVT-Relation:

  • ModelMorf : a transformation engine from TRDDC a subsidiary of Tata Consultancy Services, India; Also partially QVT-relations compliant, but proprietary, non open source implementation. Release plan now very outdated: appears to have been abandoned.
  • medini QVT : QVT-Relations implementation from ikv++ technologies ag in Berlin, Germany. The eclipse based RCP includes an editor with code assistant and a debugger. License: free for non-commercial use.

QVT-Core:

  • OptimalJ: Early access implementation of the QVT-Core language was in OptimalJ version 3.4 from Compuware. However, OptimalJ has been discontinued.


QVT-Like:

  • MTF : an IBM initial Alphaworks prototype for model transformations also partially QVT-compliant (based on IBM's submission to the original QVT RFP). Open source.
  • Tefkat : an open source implementation of Tefkat language which is also similar to QVT. High potential. Open source.
  • ATL : a component in the M2M Eclipse project. ATL is a QVT-like transformation language and engine with a large user community and an open source library of transformations.
  • MOFLON : based on the CASE-Tool Fujaba. Implements Triple Graph Grammars which can also be used for bi-directional model transformations. Open source.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

 This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources (ideally, using inline citations). Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2009)

[edit] Further reading

  • The MDA Journal: Model Driven Architecture Straight From The Masters
  • David S. Frankel Model Driven Architecture: Applying MDA to Enterprise Computing. John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 0-471-31920-1

[edit] External links

 This article's external links may not follow Wikipedia's content policies or guidelines. Please improve this article by removing excessive or inappropriate external links.
  • Object Management Group: MOF QVT Final Adopted Specification. Webpublished .pdf
  • Object Management Group: Model-Driven Architecture - Vision, Standards And Emerging Technologies. Webpublished .pdf
  • Object Management Group: MDA Guide Version 1.0.1. Webpublished .pdf
  • Brown, A: An Introduction to Model Driven Architecture. In: The Rational Edge, Feb. 2004 (IBM developerWorks eZine). Webpublished .html (first article in a series of three)
  • Bohlen, M: QVT and multi metamodel transformation in MDA. Webpublished .pdf (en), (ger)
  • Wagelaar, D: MDE Case Study: Using Model Transformations for UML and DSLs. Webpublished .pdf
  • Czarnecki, K, and Helsen, S : Classification of Model Transformation Approaches. In: Proceedings of the OOPSLA'03 Workshop on the Generative Techniques in the Context Of Model-Driven Architecture. Anaheim (CA, USA). Webpublished .pdf
  • Planet-MDE. MDA Tools. Website
  • ModelBaset.net. MDA Tools. Website
  • SoftwareMag.com. MDA Tools. Webpublished .html
  • Gronmo, R, and Oldevik, J : An Empirical Study of the UML Model Transformation Tool (UMT). In: INTEROP-ESA'05, Feb. 2005. Webpublished .pdf
  • Voelter, M: Model Driven Software Development. Webpublished .pdf
  • Portal site MDA and Model Transformation: site access
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