ViewPoints: a vehicle for method and tool integration

Abstract

This paper proposes an object-based framework for the development of heterogeneous, composite systems. Such systems require the use of multiple notations and development strategies to describe multiple developer perspectives. The framework employs coarse-grain objects, called ViewPoints, that represent "agents" having "rolesin" and "views-of" a problem domain. These ViewPoints are loosely coupled, locally managed encapsulations, integrated via inter-ViewPoint consistency relations and transformations.Tool integration is treated as a special case of method integration, and is demonstrated by The√iewer -a prototype support environment presented in this paper. The√iewer supports the proposed framework, and illustrates how ViewPoints may be used for method design, description, integration and use. Developed in Objectworks/Smalltalk, it maps the object-based framework onto an object-oriented implementation. The top level architecture and implementation of The√iewer is also briefly presented.

A new research agenda for tool integration

“…Selected papers that propose novel approaches include: Abeti et al (2003) who suggests the use of Ontologies, which is subscribed to by ; Yap et al (2005) propose the use of Web services, Baentsch et al (1995) support the use of Web interfaces; Margaria and Wü bben (2003) propose the Electronic Tool Integration (ETI) system, an Internet-based solution, that has subsequently evolved into jETI (Margaria et al, 2005); Norrie and Wunderli (1997) suggest the use of Agent-based architectures; Nuseibeh and Finkelstein (1992) suggest the use of ''Viewpoints''; Bao and Horowitz (1996) proposed a COTS-based approach; and finally Reiss (1996Reiss ( , 1986, works on broadcast messaging with the Desert and FIELD systems combined with the supporting GARDEN set of tools.…”

APEL: A Graphical Yet Executable Formalism for Process Modeling

“…This is why there is a need to provide structuring concepts and techniques for modularization purposes. Work on the view concept [11,12,13,14] as well as on the definition of clear process interfaces [59], are moves in this direction. But currently this work is very much in a preliminary stage.…”

Decentralised process modelling

“…Supporting the ViewPoints framework, T h e Viewer environment and sample tools [10] illustrate the role of fine-grain process modelling in multiperspective development.…”