Developing Comprehensive Postconditions Through a Model Transformation Chain

Abstract

One important approach for describing behavior in UML and OCL models is the use of OCL pre- and postconditions. This contribution proposes a new method for developing comprehensive OCL postconditions for operations in UML and OCL models, including so-called frame condi- tions. The method is realized by a transformation chain from an initial user-developed model into a semi-automatically derived test case model for checking the model quality. On the technical side, the method consists of a new formal distinction between deleted, sustained and added objects for operation behavior. On the methodological side, the development process is accompanied by a systematic case distinction, effective defaults and iterative improvement steps through test cases.

Keywords

UML and OCL model; OCL pre- and postcondition; OCL contract; Frame condition; Transformation chain.

Cite as:

Nisha Desai, Martin Gogolla, “Developing Comprehensive Postconditions Through a Model Transformation Chain”, Journal of Object Technology, Volume 18, no. 3 (July 2019), pp. 5:1-18, doi:10.5381/jot.2019.18.3.a5.