From Trees to Graphs: Defining the Semantics of Diagram Languages with Graph Transformation.
Gregor Engels, Reiko Heckel · 2000
In order to define the semantics of diagram languages, new techniques may be developed following the established approaches of denotational, operational, or algebraic semantics of programming languages. Due to the multi-dimensional nature of diagrams (as opposed to the linear structure of programs), these new approaches should be based on graphs (rather than trees or terms) and graph transformation could provide the underlying technology. In this paper, we try to substantiate this claim by reviewing some of the most important approaches to semantics and discussing their applicability to diagram languages. Keywords diagram languages, semantics, graph transformation 1 Introduction The most important means for communication is the use of language. The language can be a natural one - like in human-human communication - or an artificial one - as in human-computer or computer-computer communication. In general, in the case of speaking, writing, or reading, the symbols in the la...