Code Generation from AADL to a Real-Time Operating System: An Experimentation Feedback on the Use of Model Transformation

Several approaches, such as the UML MARTE profile or AADL start to reach maturity for the design of Real-Time Embedded System (RTES). The use of such formalisms and their associated verification tools relies on the confidence of the designer in the successful translation of these high- level descriptions into correct executable code. Part of this translation is performed by code generators. However, code generators are often black boxes or difficult to customize. This fact conflicts with the specific needs of the development of RTES where different code generation strategies could be involved. Recently, Model Driven Architecture (MDA) has offered sophisticated tools for model transformation. This paper presents an experimentation: code generation from an AADL model to C code using MDA tools. Based on this experimentation, statements on the interest of MDA tools for this purpose are given. Beyond this feedback, a set of open questions emerged about the need of flexibility of code generators and the different ways for setting this flexibility in MDA tools.