The Object Constraint Language: Getting Your Models Ready for MDA

Addison-Wesley Object Technology Series

by Jos B. Warmer, Anneke G. Kleppe

Praise for The Object Constraint Language, Second Edition
“MDA promises a revolution in the way we develop software. This book is essential reading for anyone intending to adopt MDA technology.”         —Tony Clark, PhD
             King’s College, London
“Through examples, Jos and Anneke demonstrate the power and intuitiveness of OCL, and the key role that this language plays in implementing and promoting MDA. The theme, structure, contents, and, not lastly, the clarity of explanations recommend this book as the best advocate for learning, using, and promoting OCL, UML, and MDA. I am sure that this work will contribute in a significant manner to the development and widespread use of new software technologies.”         —Dan Chiorean
             Head of the Computer Science Research Laboratory
             Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj
"In this thoroughly revised edition, Jos and Anneke offer a concise, pragmatic, and pedagogic explanation of the Object Constraint Language (OCL) and its different applications. Their discussion of OCL's potential role in Model Driven Architecture (MDA) is timely and offers great insight into the way that UML can be taken to the next level of automated software development practice. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to get the most out ofUML."
—Shane Sendall, PhD, Senior Researcher, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
The release of Unified Modeling Language (UML) 2.0 places renewed emphasis on the Object Constraint Language (OCL). Within UML, OCL is the standard for specifying expressions that add vital information to object-oriented models and other object-modeling artifacts. Model Driven Architecture (MDA) relies on OCL to add the level of programming detail necessary to enable platform-specific models (PSM) to communicate with platform-independent models (PIM).
This book is a practical, accessible guide to OCL for software architects, designers, and developers. Much care has been taken during the redesign of OCL to ensure that the syntax remains readable and writable by the average software modeler. The Object Constraint Language, Second Edition , utilizes a case study to show how to exercise these compact but powerful expressions for maximum effect.
This newly updated edition
Explains why OCL is critical to MDA--and why UML alone is not enough
Introduces an SQL-like syntax to OCL
Defines the new language constructs of OCL 2.0
Demonstrates how OCL can be incorporated into code
Shares tips and tricks for applying OCL to real-world modeling challenges—showing which can be solved with UML and which require OCL
Using a combination of UML and OCL allows developers to realize the effective, consistent, and coherent models that are critical to working with MDA. The authors' pragmatic approach and illustrative use of examples will help application developers come quickly up to speed with this important object-modeling method—and will serve as a ready reference thereafter.

Genres: Programming

236 pages, Paperback

First published September 6, 2003

Reviews

[Tuna Temiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book stands out for its clear, systematic approach to a subject that is crucial yet challenging for many in the field of software development and modeling. Warmer's expertise is evident in the detailed explanations and practical examples that not only introduce OCL but also demonstrate its application in real-world scenarios, making it an invaluable resource for both novices and experienced practitioners.

The strength of this book lies in its structured methodology, which meticulously guides readers through the nuances of OCL, from basic syntax and semantics to advanced concepts like model validation and transformation. The inclusion of practical exercises and case studies further enriches the learning experience, allowing readers to apply concepts in a hands-on manner. However, the book's highly specialized focus means it might not cater to those looking for a broader overview of modeling languages or those with interests outside the specific realm of MDA. Additionally, some readers may find the dense technical detail and the assumption of prior modeling knowledge a barrier to entry.

Despite these minor criticisms, "The Object Constraint Language: Getting Your Models Ready for MDA" remains a standout text for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of OCL within the MDA framework. Warmer succeeds in demystifying a complex subject, making it accessible and applicable. For its thorough coverage, practical orientation, and contribution to the field, this book is a must-read for software developers, architects, and anyone involved in model-driven development seeking to leverage the power of OCL for creating more precise and flexible models.