Abstract

Model-driven code generation has been investigated in traditional and object-oriented design paradigms. Benefits include time savings, quality improvements, and consistency between design and code. An approach to model-driven code generation for aspect-oriented software based on graph transformation is proposed. The approach is a first to use graph transformation as a technique for generating AspectJ code and extends the functionality of an existing aspect-oriented design framework. The approach specifies two model transformation algorithms. The first transforms a graphical design model into an XML textual representation. The graphical model uses a UML profile to represent aspect-oriented software models. The algorithm uses the XML metamodel to ensure the target model adheres to language constructs. The second algorithm transforms the XML representation into AspectJ code, using the AspectJ metamodel to ensure that the code adheres to language constructs. Both transformations are fully automated. Tool support has been implemented. A validation example is discussed in detail.