Framework-Specific Modeling Languages with Round-Trip Engineering

We propose Framework-Specific Modeling Languages (FSMLs) as a special
category of Domain-Specific Modeling Languages that are defined on top
of an object-oriented application framework. They are used to express
models showing how framework-provided abstractions are used in
framework-based application code. Such models may be connected with
the application code through a forward and a reverse mapping enabling
round-trip engineering. We also propose a lightweight and iterative
approach to round-trip engineering. Furthermore, we present a
proof-of-concept FSML for modeling the interaction of workbench parts
within Eclipse. Finally, we identify a number of challenges,
opportunities, and directions for future research on FSMLs.