Simulation and animation of visual languages based on typed algebraic graph transformation

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In recent years, visual models represented by graphs have gained popularity in systems development, evidenced by the widespread use of UML and Petri nets. While these techniques offer a precise means to model system structure and behavior, they can be complex and inadequate for behavior validation. This doctoral thesis aims to enhance the validation process for visual behavioral models by introducing a formal framework and tool support for simulation and animation through typed algebraic graph transformation. The thesis advocates for the use of animation views for simulation, allowing model behavior to be represented in the application domain's layout at a chosen level of abstraction. This approach offers better insights into model behavior, facilitating earlier detection of inconsistencies and missing requirements. A visual behavioral model is transformed into an animation view using the Simulation-to-Animation (S2A) transformation, ensuring semantic equivalence through formal graph transformation properties. A prototypical tool environment supports simulation, animation view definition, S2A transformation, and animation based on graph transformation. Animation scenarios can be visualized as smooth movements rather than discrete simulation steps, enhancing the overall understanding of the model.