A Grammar-Based Approach to Class Diagram Validation

The UML has grown in popularity as the standard modeling language for describing software applications. However, UML lacks the formalism of a rigid semantics, which can lead to ambiguities in understanding the specifications. We propose a grammar-based approach to validating class diagrams and illustrate this technique using a simple case-study. Our technique involves converting UML representations into an equivalent grammar form, and then using existing language transformation and development tools to assist in the validation process. A string comparison metric is also used which provides feedback, allowing the user to modify the original class diagram according to the functionality desired.