Generative and Co-operative Software Development

Cord Giese, responsible at Delta Software Technology for research and development in the area of generative software tools, presented in a guest lecture on 11th January the latest generator concepts to a mixed audience of students and external visitors. The focus of his presentation were the reasons for the development of model-based generator technology, the functionality of HyperSenses, as well as the latest research results from the PESOA project.

Delta’s products are built on advanced generator technology that implements the latest research from research partners in industry and academia. Delta makes selected emerging technologies available to the global academic and developer communities to gain early feedback and to help build rock-solid enterprise products.

The presentation from Cord Giese on the subject “Model-Based Generator Development” was part of the elective course “Generative and Co-Operative Software Development” offered by Prof. Dr. Ulrich W. Eisenecker at the Institute for Business Informatics at the University of Leipzig. The goal of generative software development is the automatic development of applications and components based on software system families. In addition to generative software development concepts such as feature modelling and frame-based generator technology, a particular focus is placed on the economical and real-world aspects, as represented by the close co-operation with partners from industry.

Model-Based Generator Development Using HyperSenses As An Example

Starting from the basic question as to why software generators are used at all, the central concepts of the HyperSenses technology were explained. This lead to a broad review from many directions of the model-based approach to the development and use of generators. In this respect methodical approaches such as “Pattern by Example” play as important a role as the experience gained from commercial projects. To support this argument a number of case studies were presented that showed how HyperSenses has been used in real-world projects.

A further core point was the use of HyperSenses in research activities. In this respect the latest status of the generator development within the context of the PESOA project was presented in detail.

The presentation was brought to a close by positioning HyperSenses with respect to current active themes, in particular generative programming. Numerous live demos given during the course of the presentation illustrated the concepts as they were introduced.

Further Information

The guest lecture, the ANGIE and HyperSenses software made available by Delta, as well as additional material on the subject of generative software development are available on a CD that has been specially produced by Delta for the event. If you would like a copy of this CD then please use the following form.

The official Web site of the Institute for Business Informatics at the University Leipzig:
http://w3l.wifa.uni-leipzig.de