A domain-specific language for managing feature models

Abstract

Feature models are a popular formalism for managing variability in software product lines (SPLs). In practice, developing an SPL can involve modeling a large number of features representing different viewpoints, sub-systems or concerns of the software system. To manage complexity, there is a need to separate, relate and compose several feature models while automating the reasoning on their compositions in order to enable rigorous SPL validation and configuration. In this paper, we propose a Domain-Specific Language (DSL) that is dedicated to the management of feature models and that complements existing tool support. Rationale for this language is discussed and its main constructs are presented through examples. We show how the DSL can be used to realize a non trivial scenario in which multiple SPLs are managed.