An integrated operational semantics for a UML core based on graph transformation

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The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a widely accepted standard for modeling object-oriented software systems, yet its semantics are informally defined. This thesis introduces a formal semantics for a significant subset of UML, encompassing use case, class, object, statechart, and interaction diagrams, along with full OCL support. The approach translates a UML model into a graph transformation system, which includes rules and a graph representing the system state. By applying these rules, the evolution of the modeled system is simulated. A metamodel is established to define the subset of UML, resembling the UML 1.5 metamodel but in a more compact form, catering to the UML community accustomed to this definition style. The system state, representing information at a specific execution point, is also introduced via a metamodel and includes objects, attribute values, relationships, and processes representing ongoing operations. Execution occurs through graph transformation rules linked to processes, modifying the system state per the operation's semantics, specified by interaction diagrams or predefined. The thesis details the construction of graph transformation rules for UML models and describes a tool that aids users in simulating model execution prior to implementation. During simulation, the current system state can be checked against OCL constraints and inspected with OCL queries, allowing modelers to analyze operation se