Model compiler construction based on aspect-oriented mechanisms

Model-driven architecture (MDA) aims at automating software design processes. Design models are divided into platform-independent models (PIMs) and platform-specific models (PSMs). A model compiler transforms the former models into the latter automatically. We can regard PIMs as a new kind of reusable software component because they can be reused even if a platform is changed. However, a generated PSM is useless if it does not satisfy system limitations such as memory usage and real-time constraints. It is necessary to allow a modeler to customize transformation rules because model modifications for dealing with these limitations may be specific to an application. However, current model compilers do not provide the modeler sufficient customization methods. In order to tackle this problem, we propose a method for constructing an extensible model compiler based on aspect orientation, a mechanism that modularizes crosscutting concerns. Aspect orientation is useful for platform descriptions because it crosscuts many model elements. A modeler can extend model transformation rules by defining new aspects in the process of modeling. In this paper, an aspect-oriented modeling language called AspectM (Aspect for Modeling) for supporting modeling-level aspects is introduced. Using AspectM, a modeler can describe not only crosscutting concerns related to platforms but also other kinds of crosscutting concerns. We believe that MDA is one of the applications of aspect-oriented mechanisms. The contribution of this paper is to show that a model compiler can actually be constructed based on aspect-oriented mechanisms.