Multi-dimensional Abstraction and Decomposition for Separation of Concerns

Model-driven engineering (MDE) or model-driven architecture (MDA) holds significant appeal for the software industry. Its primary aim is to address software complexity by enabling automated model creation and transformation. Consequently, many software development firms are actively seeking integrated development platforms (IDP) to enhance automation within their software production processes. However, the adoption of MDE and the utilisation of IDPs remain low, with doubts surrounding their success. To tackle this issue, this paper uses the formal refinement of component and object systems (rCOS) as a framework to identify different types of requirements and their relationships, with the goal of supporting MDE. We emphasise the necessity for families of formal languages and transformations among them, as well as the indispensability of architecture modelling and refinement in MDE. Furthermore, to enhance the handling of changes during the development and operation of systems, there is a paramount need for formal methods that facilitate abstractions and decompositions, leading to a multi-dimensional separation of concerns.