Mechanization of a Large DSML: An Experiment with AADL and Coq
Jérôme Hugues, Lutz Wrage, John Hatcliff, Danielle Stewart · 2022
Domain-Specific Modeling Languages (DSMLs) rely on model-based techniques to deliver tailored languages to meet specific needs, such as system modeling, formal verification, and code generation. A DSML has specific static and dynamic behavior rules that must be properly assessed before processing the model. The definition of these rules remains a challenge. Meta-modeling techniques usually lack the foundational elements required to fully express behavioral semantics. In this context, using an interactive theorem prover provides a mathematical foundation with which the semantics of a DSML can be defined. This includes an abstract syntax tree, typing rules, and derivation of an executable simulator. In this paper, we report on an ongoing effort to capture the SAE AADL language using Coq along with specific analysis capabilities. Our contribution provides an unambiguous semantics for a large set of the language and can be used as a foundation to build rich analysis capabilities.