Modelltransformasjon

Modelltransformasjon, often translated as model transformation, is a fundamental concept in model-driven engineering (MDE). It refers to the process of automatically converting a model from one representation to another. This transformation can occur between models of the same type, such as refining a high-level design model into a more detailed one, or between models of different types, for example, transforming a platform-independent model (PIM) into a platform-specific model (PSM) for code generation.

The primary goal of model transformation is to enable automation, reduce manual effort, and improve the consistency and quality of software development artifacts. Transformations are typically defined by rules that specify how elements in the source model should be mapped to elements in the target model. These rules can be declarative, stating the desired outcome, or imperative, describing the step-by-step process of conversion.

Various tools and languages exist to support model transformation, such as ATL ( a transformation language), QVT (Query/View/Transformation), and EMF (Eclipse Modeling Framework) transformations. The effectiveness of model transformation relies on the expressiveness of the transformation language, the availability of robust transformation engines, and the clarity of the source and target metamodels. It plays a crucial role in enabling abstraction, allowing developers to focus on different levels of detail and automate the generation of code, documentation, or other models from a central source of truth.