Modeling interaction join point adaptations independent of pointcut models using UML stereotypes

• Authors: Mariam Nainan
• Venue: Proceedings of the 13th workshop on Aspect-oriented modeling
• Year: 2009

Several approaches to aspect-oriented modeling of interactions are based on modeling pointcuts that select join points (pointcut models) and modeling adaptations needed at those join points (adaptation models). A common limitation of most of these approaches is that they couple the two models together because identifiers in adaptation models reference those in pointcut models or the same type of diagram is used to represent both models. If it is possible to use pointcut and adaptation models independently of each other, aspect-oriented modeling would be more flexible because, for example, a diagram type can be chosen based on its appropriateness in expressing the model instead of having to consistently use the same type of diagram. This paper proposes a technique for creating interaction adaptation models that are independent of the pointcut models used to capture join points. The technique uses Unified Modeling Language profiles and stereotypes. Examples are also given of how the profile is used to define a generic adaptation model and how the generic model is specialized.