Graphical Modeling Framework (GMF)

Creation Review

Richard C. Gronback Borland Software Corp. April 13, 2005

What is GMF?

•         The Graphical Modeling Framework (GMF) Project provides the underlying components and framework for the generation of design surfaces within Eclipse from domain and diagram models.

–     Intended to bridge GEF & EMF, hence GMF

–     Goal: to deliver exemplary diagramming for Eclipse UML2 Project, while providing general diagram support for any domain model

Why a GMF Project?

•         Fills an architectural gap

–     Specifically, the one between EMF & GEF

–     Many bridges have already been handcrafted

•         Meets a need

–     Visualization aids in dealing with increased complexity of today’s applications

–     Driven by increasing popularity of model-driven development, generative programming, & MDA®

•         Complementary to other emerging technologies

–     Domain-Specific Language (DSL) generative design surfaces (i.e. Microsoft’s DSL Toolkit)

•         Main Components

–     Diagramming Infrastructure

•         Eclipse framework for design surfaces (built on GEF)

–    Editor, view, properties, navigator

•         Generic frameworks for constraint, query, validation, etc.

–     Diagram Generator

•         Diagram metamodel, generator model, mapping view

•         Generation framework for diagram elements

–    Node, edge, connector, constraints, etc.

•         Constraint implementation generator

–     Exemplary Tools

•         Diagram definition designer (GMF bootstrap)

•         Diagramming for Eclipse UML2 Project

•         ECore modeling surface

Generation

Generation

Instance of Diagram Metamodel, dependency on Domain Model (DSL)

Optional XSL Transformation

EMF-based serialization

Diagram Instance

•         No shortage of positive feedback and interest!

•         Serendipitous EclipseCon session was well- attended

–     EMF, GEF and UML2: Ready for a Graphical Modeling Framework (GMF) Project?

•         Newsgroup active with interested parties, proposed committers, and potential code contributions

–     81 posts since March 16th

•          Many interested parties, in addition to Borland:

–         Adaptive www.adaptive.com

–         Anyware Technologies www.anyware-tech.com

–         AT&T Global www.attglobal.net

–         BEA www.bea.com

–         Cognos www.cognos.com

–         DSTC www.dstc.edu.au/Research/Projects/Pegamento/hugn/

–         E-Sim www.e-sim.co.il

–         Evolution www.evolution.at

–         IBM www.ibm.com

–         ILOG www.ilog.com

–         InferData www.inferdata.com

–         M1 Global www.m1global.com

–         Norwegian University of Science and Technology http://www.idi.ntnu.no/

–         Patternset Software www.patternset.com

–         Protos www.protos.de

–         Real-Time Innovations www.rti.com

–         SnapXT www.snapxt.com

–         Sybase  www.sybase.com

–         University of Nantes www.univ-nantes.fr/

–         University of Victoria www.uvic.ca

–         Vanderbilt University http://www.dre.vanderbilt.edu/

–         Versata www.versata.com

–         Web Methods www.webmethods.com

–         Xactium www.xactium.com

•            Borland contributors:

–         Richard Gronback (CT, USA) – proposed Project Lead

–         Artem Tikhomirov (Prague)

–         Max Feldman (Prague)

–         Karl Frank (MA, USA)

–     +4-6 TBDs (Prague & St. Petersburg)

•            IBM

–         Daniel Leroux currently dealing with legal department

•            CS Group TOPCASED project

–         David Sciamma (Anyware Technologies)

–         Olivier Prouvost (Anyware Technologies)

–         Agusti Canals (+ others?)

•            Others:

–         Petter Graff (InferData)

–         Sehyo Chang (AT&T Global)

–         David Zygmont (M1 Global)

–         Jules White (Vanderbilt University)

–         Jose de Frietas (Patternset)

–         Sean Woodhouse (Versata)

–         Chaur Wu (Independent Consultant)

–         Markus Voelter (OpenAchitectureWare)

–         Hallvard Trætteberg (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

–         Michael Lawley (DSTC feedback on experience with JANE project)

–         Chris Aniszczyk

•         Validation Phase:

–     Develop initial requirements, architecture, and project plan

–     Several code bases to examine

•         Borland, CS Group TOPCASED, eDiagram EMF-GEF example, Merlin, openArchitectureWare, M1 Global, Eclipse VE project, etc.

•         IBM dealing with legal, but expects contribution in coming weeks

–     Diagram ‘metamodel’ research

•         UML2 Diagram Interchange Specification?

•         GMF kickoff meeting (location TBD)