Design and implementation of a Domain-Specific Language for sequence diagram modeling

Abstract

FlowUML is a dedicated visual modeling language that aims to ease the generation of UML sequence diagrams using unambiguous and user-friendly syntactic constructs. In contrast to other diagrammatic tools, FlowUML minimizes human input, providing faster and more reliable modeling of interaction among components of the system. Its intuitive design reduces both initial and ongoing modeler learning time and thus facilitates simultaneous collaboration over the shared diagram in real-time. An adaptable structure and built-in validation allow FlowUML to be tailored to a wide variety of project requirements and to maintain diagram consistency. Preliminary tests imply that the use of this domain specific language enhances efficiency in development work, preserves clarity in complicated systems, and reduces the risk of design faults. The expansion of its capabilities to include code generation automatically in the near future will further close the gap between conceptual model construction and implementation work.