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A master's thesis from Aalborg University
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A Study on a Ecosystem Approach for Model-Based Software Engineering

Authors

;

Term

4. term

Education

Publication year

2021

Abstract

This thesis investigates an ecosystem approach to Model-Based Software Engineering (MBSE) for modern web applications, aiming to combine low-code development with model checking. We design and implement a proof of concept comprising a visual formalism for UI behavior, a JSON-based system specification, a compiler that produces an Abstract Behaviour Tree (ABT) with integration points for model checking and target code generation, and supporting tools for modeling, structure, and styling. Through qualitative workshops and case studies, we examine eight hypotheses about MBSE’s speed, communication among developers, designers, and stakeholders, complexity handling, accessibility for non-experts, adoption barriers, and developer confidence. Our preliminary findings indicate that such an ecosystem can promote cross-compatibility among MBSE tools and ease industrial adoption; that transitioning to MBSE workflows is challenging yet beneficial for developers; and that adoption friction largely stems from the immaturity of current MBSE tools. We discuss related work, design choices, and open challenges to guide future development of an industry-ready MBSE ecosystem.

Dette speciale undersøger en økosystemtilgang til modelbaseret softwareudvikling (MBSE) for moderne webapplikationer med fokus på at forene low-code udvikling og modeltjek. Vi designer og implementerer et proof-of-concept bestående af en visuel formalisme til UI-adfærd, et JSON-baseret systemspecifikationsformat, en compiler der producerer et Abstrakt Adfærdstræ (ABT) med mulighed for integration til modeltjekkere og generering af målkode, samt understøttende værktøjer til modellering, struktur og styling. Gennem kvalitative workshops og case-studier undersøger vi otte hypoteser om MBSE’s hastighed, kommunikation mellem udviklere, designere og interessenter, håndtering af kompleksitet, tilgængelighed for ikke-eksperter, adoptionsbarrierer og udvikleres selvtillid. Vores foreløbige resultater peger på, at et sådant økosystem kan fremme krydskompatibilitet mellem MBSE-værktøjer og lette adoptionen i industrien; at overgangen til MBSE-arbejdsgange er vanskelig, men fordelagtig for udviklere; og at friktion i adoptionen i høj grad skyldes umodenhed i de nuværende MBSE-værktøjer. Vi diskuterer relateret arbejde, designvalg og åbne udfordringer som grundlag for videre udvikling af et industriklart MBSE-økosystem.

[This apstract has been generated with the help of AI directly from the project full text]