Applying a Grouping Operator in Model Transformations

The usability of model transformation languages depends on the level of abstractions one can work with in rules to perform complex operations on models. Recently, we have introduced a novel operator for our model transformation language GReAT that allows the concise specification of complex model (graph) rewriting operations that manipulate entire subgraphs. In this paper we show how the new operator can be used to implement non-trivial model manipulations with fewer and simpler rules, while maintaining efficiency. The examples were motivated by problems encountered in real-life model transformations.