A Feature-based Framework for Model-Driven Engineering

Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) improves software engi- neering by providing an appropriate level of abstraction for an early review of a system design. Model transformations can be used to estab- lish a well-regulated development process. But existing transformation approaches still lack in connecting system requirements to the models realizing them. Furthermore, it is still dicult to integrate existing tools for particular tasks in MDE to an all-embracing environment. This paper presents a framework for MDE by defining required compo- nents and data structures to establish such an environment. It combines concepts of a UML-based MDE with feature modelling from Product Line Engineering. Feature models capture characteristics of existing sys- tem components as well as requirements of a planned application. They are used to control all parts of the engineering process.