Feature Patterns and Product Line Model Transformations

Feature models are the basic instrument to analyze and configure the variability and commonality of a software product line. But feature models embody various different variability facets (structural, behavioral, non-functional, etc.). Features, used as core model, must be completed with other techniques (i.e. goals or UML models) to fulfill these variability aspects. This approach allows us to proceed in several steps, using the appropriate paradigms in each phase. The global picture is a sequence of model transformations from goal/requirements to features and from both to the architecture. In this context, this article aims to identify patterns in the feature models and their relation with the corresponding architectural counterparts (class and use case diagrams). The work is completed with the definition and implementation of meta-model based transformations between these models. The existence of a feature pattern catalog and the associated transformations make the automated creation of models and traceability links possible, enhancing the productivity of the development process of product lines.