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Object Modeling with the OCL pp 42–68Cite as

OCL: Syntax, Semantics, and Tools

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Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNCS,volume 2263))

Abstract

The Object Constraint Language OCL allows to formally specify constraints on a UML model. We present a formal syntax and semantics for OCL based on set theory including expressions, invariants and pre- and postconditions. A formal foundation for OCL makes the meaning of constraints precise and helps to eliminate ambiguities and inconsistencies. A precise language definition is also a prerequisite for implementing Case tools providing enhanced support for UML models and OCL constraints. We give a survey of some OCL tools and discuss one of the tools in some more detail. The design and implementation of the USE tool supporting the validation of UML models and OCL constraints is based on the formal approach presented in this paper.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Computer Science Department, University of Bremen, FB 3, Postfach 330440, D-28334, Bremen, Germany

    Mark Richters & Martin Gogolla

Authors
  1. Mark Richters
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  2. Martin Gogolla
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Computer Science, King’s College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS, London, UK

    Tony Clark

  2. Klasse Objecten, Postbus 3082, 3760, DB Soest, The Netherlands

    Jos Warmer

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© 2002 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Richters, M., Gogolla, M. (2002). OCL: Syntax, Semantics, and Tools. In: Clark, T., Warmer, J. (eds) Object Modeling with the OCL. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 2263. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-45669-4_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-45669-4_4

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-43169-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-45669-8

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