From trace-based inter-model validation to bidirectional model synchronization with reconciliation

Model to model transformation is a process of generating a target model from the source input model. However, after applying the transformation, both source and target models may evolve independently. In these cases, bidirectional transformation (Bx) is required to propagate changes across models to resolve the inter-model inconsistency. In this paper, we propose an interactive Bx approach via inter-model validation which enables developers synchronizing models with reconciliation. The proposed Bx system is implemented using the Epsilon Validation Language (EVL). A trace meta-model is designed to provide change propagation leads to bidirectional correspondence between models. The approach is formalized based on the synchronization concepts achieving 13 different states for each bidirectional relation. Our approach is compared to some other well-known Bx approaches considering six significant synchronization features. The results illustrate the appropriateness of the proposed approach.