Slicing UML architectural models

ABSTRACT

We propose a technique for static and dynamic slicing of UML models. For a software architecture specified using UML, we first transform the systems' architectural model into an intermediate representation which we have named Model Dependency Graph(MDG). MDG combines information available in various sequence diagrams along with the relevant information available in class diagrams into an integrated UML model. For a given slicing criterion, our slicing algorithm traverses the constructed MDG to identify the relevant model elements. Our algorithm's novelty lies in its computing a slice based on an integrated UML model as against independently processing separate UML diagrams, and determining the implicit interdependencies among the different model elements distributed across various UML diagrams.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.2 Language Classifications

          Nouns: UML

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
        D.2.11 Software Architectures
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques
          Subjects: Object-oriented design methods

General Terms:
Design, Management, Theory

Keywords:
UML, architectural metamodel, impact analysis, slicing, software architecture