Model-Driven Engineering Training for Industry Professionals (Online)

Session 1: Introduction to Model-Driven Software Engineering (MDSE) Foundations

Objective: Introduce the fundamental concepts of MDSE, focusing on the role of models, their purposes, and the core principles and methodologies that underpin model-driven approaches.

Topics:

• Overview of MDSE and its significance

• Models: definition, descriptive and prescriptive purposes

• Human cognitive processes: abstraction, generalization, classification

• Motivation for model engineering: tackling complexity and quality

• MDSE principles: abstraction, portability, automation

• MDSE methodology: concepts, notations, processes, tools

• MD* acronyms: MDD, MDA, MDE, MBE

• Modeling languages: General-Purpose (GPMLs) vs. Domain-Specific (DSLs)

• Basics of metamodeling and model transformations

Session 2: MDSE Use Cases and Practical Applications

Objective: Explore practical applications of MDSE in software development, interoperability, and reverse engineering, highlighting key approaches like MDA and tools such as MetaEdit+ and Eclipse/EMF.

Topics:

• MDSE applications: development, interoperability, reverse engineering

• Model-Driven Development: communication and productivity benefits

• Executable models: code generation vs. model interpretation

• Systems interoperability: metamodel alignment and transformations

• Model-driven reverse engineering: process and examples

• Model-Driven Architecture (MDA): CIM, PIM, PSM, transformations

• Other approaches: CASE, Executable UML, AC-MDSD, MetaEdit+, Software Factories

• Tools: Eclipse, EMF, drawing vs. modeling

• MDSE industry adoption and lifecycle
  
  

Session 3: Introduction to Modeling Languages

Objective:
Understand the role, types, and design principles of modeling languages in Model-Driven Software Engineering (MDSE), with a focus on their application in real-world industry scenarios.

Topics:

• Overview of modeling languages: purpose and role in MDSE

• General-Purpose Modeling Languages: UML, SysML, BPMN

• Domain-Specific Modeling Languages (DSMLs): AADL, Simulink, MARTE

• DSML design principles: expressiveness, usability, extensibility

• Balancing DSML design: trade-offs between simplicity and complexity

• Tool support for modeling languages: Papyrus, Simulink GUI, OSATE

• Industry case studies: healthcare (HL7 FHIR), telecommunications (MARTE), aerospace (AADL)

Session 4: Language Engineering and Meta-Modeling for Domain-Specific Problems

Objective: Understand the process of language engineering through meta-modeling, focusing on designing domain-specific modeling languages (DSMLs) and their practical applications in industry.

Topics:

• Overview of language engineering: purpose and role in DSML design

• Meta-modeling concepts: meta-models, meta-meta-models, MOF

• Meta-modeling vs. traditional modeling and programming

• Language engineering process: domain concepts, relationships, constraints, implementation, validation

• Tools for language engineering: Eclipse EMF, Xtext, Papyrus, MetaEdit+

• Industry case studies: automotive (MetaEdit+ for autonomous driving), IoT (5G device management), finance (transaction compliance)

Session 5: Meta-Modeling Technologies 

Objective: Discuss the key requirements, expectations, and challenges in using meta-modeling technologies for DSML development.

Topics:

• Meta-modeling requirements: Language Definition, Modeling Editor (editing modes, syntactic and semantic services), Language Validation, Language Testing, Language Composability

• Practitioners’ expectations and common challenges based on survey results

• Tool usage trends: Which technologies are most used and why?

• What can be done with meta-modeling tools in practice?  

• Practitioner expectations for editor usability, versioning, integration, and hybrid visualization

• Comparison of major technologies: EMF (Sirius, Xtext), MetaEdit+, GME, JetBrains MPS

• Criteria for selecting tools based on domain needs and practical feedback

Session 6: Developing Domain-Specific Modeling Languages with MetaEdit+

Objective: Learn to develop domain-specific modeling languages (DSMLs) using MetaEdit+, focusing on meta-modeling, concrete syntax, and building modeling editors for efficient domain-specific solutions.

Topics:

• MetaEdit+ overview: architecture, components, and features

• Defining meta-models using GOPPRR: concepts, properties, constraints

• Creating concrete syntax: notations, symbols, multi-view support

• Building modeling editors: drag-and-drop, validation, collaboration

• Editor integration with external tools: APIs, code generation

• Case studies: EAST-ADL for automotive ECUs, mobile phone DSML

Session 7: Developing Model Transformers with MetaEdit+ 

Objective: Understand and implement model transformations for DSMLs using MetaEdit+.

Topics:

• Model transformation concepts: model-to-model, model-to-code 

• MetaEdit+ transformation capabilities: code generation, model validation, model simulation, and transformation rules 

• Designing transformations for specific outputs (e.g., Java, C++, XML) 

• Debugging and testing transformations in MetaEdit+

Session 8: Case Study and Practical Workshop 

Objective: Apply meta-modeling, syntax definition, editor development, and transformation through a practical case study using MetaEdit+.

Topics:

• Developing a DSML for a real-time traffic management system: traffic flow modeling, signal control, IoT integration 

• Defining meta-models, concrete syntax, modeling editors, and transformations in MetaEdit+ 

• Best practices for integrating all components into a cohesive DSML

Session 9: Model-Driven Digital Twin Engineering 

Objective: Explore model-driven digital twin engineering for precise modeling, real-time data synchronization, and interoperability in industrial systems. Learn DSML roles, MDDTE benefits, development steps, and best practices to enhance monitoring, simulation, and optimization in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing.

Topics:

• Introduction to Digital Twins: Define concepts, components, and applications using IoT for real-time system replication.

• Purpose of Digital Twins: Enable monitoring, simulation, and optimization with predictive maintenance and performance analytics.

• Model-Driven Engineering (MDE): Explore foundations, modeling perspectives, and limitations in traditional system design approaches.

• Paradigm Shift to MDDTE: Integrate MDE with real-time digital twin capabilities for lifecycle management and optimization.

• Role of DSMLs in Digital Twins: Use SysML, AADL, ThingML for precise modeling, automation, and synchronization.

• DSMLs for Real-Time Monitoring: Implement IoT data integration (e.g., 100Hz MQTT) for dynamic system tracking.

• Benefits of MDDTE: Overcome MDE limitations with executable models, real-time adaptability, and lifecycle support.

• DSML-Based Development Steps: Outline model creation, execution, data integration, and optimization for digital twins.

• Case Studies: Analyze aerospace (jet engines), automotive (EV powertrains), and manufacturing (robotic welding) applications.
  
  

Delivery Method

• Format: Fully online, interactive lectures, hands-on exercises, and group discussions conducted via a video conferencing platform (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams). 

• Tools: 

  • Meta-modeling and editor development: MetaEdit+ (MetaCase), with fallback to Draw.io or OpenModelica for simulation if needed.

  • Collaboration: Miro, Google Docs, or VS Code Live Share for group activities.

• Materials: Downloadable handouts (MetaEdit+ guides, meta-modeling templates, DSML examples, case study documents). 

• Technical Requirements: Stable internet, webcam, microphone, and access to cloud-based tools. MetaEdit+ license or trial access required (pre-session setup guide provided).
  
  

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the 10-Hour Online Model-Driven Engineering Training, participants will be able to:

1. Understand Models and Modeling Concepts: Define models as abstractions of systems, components, or processes, and explain their importance in model-driven engineering (MDE) for simplifying complexity, enhancing communication, and enabling automation in domains like automotive, aerospace, and IoT.

2. MDSE Principles: Comprehend Model-Driven Software Engineering (MDSE) principles, including separation of concerns, model transformation, and code generation, and recognize their benefits for productivity and system quality compared to code-centric approaches.

3. Understand Meta-Models and Meta-Modeling: Explain meta-models, meta-meta-models (e.g., MOF), and the meta-modeling process, understanding their role in defining domain-specific concepts, relationships, and constraints for language engineering.

4. Understand Modeling Languages: Analyze general-purpose modeling languages (e.g., UML, SysML) and domain-specific modeling languages (DSMLs), and evaluate their expressiveness, usability, and extensibility for domains like healthcare or telecommunications.

5. Understand Meta-Modeling Tools: Compare meta-modeling technologies (e.g., EMF, MetaEdit+, GME, JetBrains MPS) based on language definition, editor usability, and integration capabilities, and assess their suitability for specific project needs.

6. Develop a DSL with MetaEdit+: Use MetaEdit+ to create a simple domain-specific language (DSL) in a case study, defining meta-models, concrete syntax (notations, symbols), and building interactive modeling editors for practical application.

7. Apply Model Transformations in MetaEdit+: Implement model-to-model and model-to-code transformations in MetaEdit+ for a case study, generating outputs like Java, C++, or XML, and validating models for accuracy using code generators.

8. Conduct a Practical DSL Case Study: Build and analyze a DSL for a simple real-time system in MetaEdit+, integrating meta-modeling, editor development, and transformations, and experimenting with traffic flow or IoT components.

9. Understand Digital Twins in MDE: Comprehend the role of DSMLs in modeling digital twins as virtual representations of physical systems, and their application in real-time monitoring and simulation for domains like industrial automation or IoT.

10. Experiment with Model Simulation and Analysis: Use MetaEdit+ to perform model simulation and analysis in a case study, validating DSL behavior and assessing system requirements through practical experimentation.
    
    

For more information about this course, please contact: mert.ozkaya@yeditepe.edu.tr

To enroll in a course, please complete the form by clicking HERE.