Abstract:

The design of software models is an essential part of almost all core curricula of computer science or software engineering study programs and as well an essential skill in industrial software engineering projects. Therefore, modeling methods (especially in object-oriented language paradigms) are taught and trained with the help of modeling tools. Although these modeling tools offer advantages (e.g. validation, syntactic support, etc.), they require often a high amount of tool-specific training. In addition, the software models created are, for example, not compatible with other software modeling tools (e.g., diagram export).
To refocus training in this area on gaining modeling skills, a software model converter has been developed that enables work with different software modeling tools by converting the software model being worked on into the format or format variants (usually UML) specific to the desired modeling tool. This allows learners to decide for themselves which tools they use.
The model converter was initially developed for the conversion of Eclipse Papyrus UML models (persisted in XML/XMI) into PlantUML models (persisted in a textual tool specific language).
We evaluated the approach and the implemented model converter tool with a set of software models used in software engineering courses.

Keywords:

Software models, software modeling tools, automatic model transformation, software engineering teaching.