Using ALF within the CoSTest process for validation of UML-based conceptual schema

Abstract

The Unified Modelling Language (UML) is widely used for modelling software systems and its integration with executable languages, such as the Action Language for Foundational UML (ALF), provides a bridge between the graphical specification techniques used by mainstream software engineers and the precise analysis and validation techniques essential for the model-driven development of information systems. As far as we know, the idea of transforming Conceptual Schemas (CS) based on UML Class Diagrams into ALF to execute systematic ALF-based test cases against these CSs and to report defects by checking logs has not been explored to date. In this paper, we use ALF to create a testing environment to validate requirements and verify some system properties at the CS level. We also report on some of the implementation details and design decisions of our proof-of-concept tool, as well as its limitations and possible use scenarios.