Applying semantic web technology to feature modeling

ABSTRACT

Feature models are models used to capture differences and commonalities between software features, enabling the representation of variability within software. There are many variations of feature models and different notations are often used to represent the same information. Currently support for validating or integrating feature models is missing. In this paper, we provide an ontology framework for feature modeling which consists of an ontology that formally provides a specification for feature models. In addition, we provide means to integrate segmented feature models and provide a rule based model consistency check and conflict detection. We use SWRL rules to implement the rules and a DL reasoner to evaluate the rules and infer extra interesting information regarding the variability of the software.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.4 INFORMATION SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS
      H.4.2 Types of Systems

Keywords:
OWL, SWRL, feature models, ontologies, software variability