Application of Reflection in Model Transformation Languages

  • Authors:
  • Ivan Kurtev

  • Affiliations:
  • Software Engineering Group, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands 7500 AE

  • Venue:
  • ICMT '08 Proceedings of the 1st international conference on Theory and Practice of Model Transformations
  • Year:
  • 2008

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Abstract

Computational reflection is a well known technique applied in many existing programming languages ranging from functional to object-oriented languages. In this paper we study the possibilities and benefits of introducing and using reflection in rule-based model transformation languages. The paper identifies some language abstractions to achieve structural and behavioral reflection. Every reflective feature is motivated by examples of problems derived from the experience with currently used transformation languages. Example solutions are given by using an experimental language with reflective capabilities.The paper also outlines possible implementation strategies for adding reflection to a language and discusses their advantages and disadvantages.