Exploring the Synergies Between Feature Models and Ontologies.
Martin Fagereng Johansen, Franck Fleurey, Mathieu Acher, Philippe Collet, Philippe Lahire · 2010
Abstract—A factor slowing down the use of feature models is that either the concepts or the relations expressed in a feature model are not defined at all, or defined in an unsatisfactory manner; feature models are sometimes too vague to be analyzed by a reasoning tool. It is thus difficult to determine if the features in a feature model are arranged and structured consistently with domain knowledge and if they are accurately expressed, organized and represented. Ontology modeling can improve feature modeling by providing additional information relevant for the domain in which a feature model is constructed. Finding synergies between feature models and ontologies will aid an SPL engineer in accurately expressing, organizing and representing features in their feature models. In this paper, we look at potential benefits in using the two modeling formalisms together, we identify issues and challenges considering the gap between the two formalisms and discuss the importance of this gap. We report on our current ideas and results. Keywords-Feature modeling; Ontology; Software Product Line; Domain engineering