IFML-Based Graphical User Interfaces Generated From BPMN up to PSM Level

Introduction

The core principle of MDA methodology as defined in the glossary (Table 1) is the use of models at various stages of application development. MDA streamlines the development of requirements at the CIM level (Table 1), the design and analysis at the PIM level (Table 1), and facilitates code generation at the PSM level (Table 1). MDA aims to create technology-independent models that enable the automatic generation of application code, thus significantly boosting productivity (OMG-MDA, 2014).

The rise of model-driven architecture proves its value in software engineering by improving application quality and reducing development time (Brambilla et al., 2014). A relatively new web engineering technology called IFML has emerged as a recommended approach for developing web and mobile applications by Brambilla and Fraternali (2014). IFML, OMG standard, simplifies graphical user interface descriptions across different platforms such as desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. Various environments have been proposed for developing IFML models and generating code, such as the Webratio tool (Acerbis et al., 2014) (Table 1). The latter is a model-driven project with code generators that enable the creation of applications from IFML models.

In this chapter, we delve into the intricate process of automatic graphical user interface generation within MDA. Our principal objective is to explore how model transformations (Table 1) can seamlessly translate designs from the PIM level to the PSM level, using the Webratio tool as our primary technology stack. We shall employ the Interaction Flow Modeling Language (IFML) to elucidate how user-friendly interfaces can be architected and implemented effectively. The chapter is structured to first introduce these key terminologies and concepts, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on the nuances of model shifts across different MDA levels—namely, from the CIM to the PIM and eventually to the PSM.

This chapter's primary contribution is a methodical approach for automatically generating graphical user interfaces (GUIs) from PIM to PSM, which streamlines the software development process, minimizes manual coding errors, and boosts productivity. This chapter provides an in-depth analysis of model transformations within Model-Driven Architecture, from the CIM level to the PSM level, elucidating the transformation hierarchy for enhanced software development processes. This work is aimed at practitioners seeking to automate GUI creation, providing insight into the mechanics of model transformations within MDA, with practical examples using the Webratio tool to demonstrate these concepts in action.

We begin by creating BPMN and IFML (table 1) metamodels in the Eclipse environment. An example is developed using the BPMN notation (OMG-BPMN, 2011). Transformation rules in the ATL language (Table 1) (Sajji et al., 2022) are applied to get the IFML model in .xmi format (OMG-XML, 2015) at the PIM level within the Eclipse environment. Lastly, we generate the user interfaces in the Webratio tool. The principal target of this work lies in the utilization of two standards, BPMN and IFML, along with a robust business solution Webratio. This enables us to highlight all steps of the model transformation strategy.