Using a Formal Language Constructs for Software Model Evolution

In this paper we present an automated support for software model evolution using a formal language constructs. For this, we extended Object Constraint Language (OCL) with actions to define a new language - CAL (Constraint with Action Language), which gives users the ability to evaluate objects change a-priori. We have added a data type, directed acyclic graph (DAG) to CAL to automate model evolution. DAG has been annotated (ADAG) with dependency weights based on an improved graph labeling scheme. Rules are designed to translate a UML model into CAL data structure (ADAG). CAL contains a small set of constructs, but is powerful enough to be used efficiently for typical software evolution management operations like impact analysis, correction, improvement and enhancement of models. A prototype tool VCAL (visual CAL), for dependency analysis of UML Class Diagrams is presented.