An approach to refactoring of executable UML models

Abstract

Design erosion is one of the unavoidable effects of software evolution. This destructive phenomenon occurs also in the context of executable UML models, which are primary artefacts in Agile MDA software development methodology. Model refactorings are model transformations that can be applied with the aim of counteracting design erosion of UML models. In this paper, we present a systematic approach to specification of both executable UML model refactorings as well as associated bad smells in models. The application of this method is illustrated on an exemplary refactoring and a related bad smell. Moreover, we show how this transformation and detection of the bad smell can be implemented in Telelogic TAU, a state-of-the art UML CASE tool.