TI The EaraGI Model For Software Specification Environments 

AV ftp thorhild.cs.ualberta.ca:pubTR91-14.ps.Z 

AV mail britta@cs.ualberta.ca  

OR ALBRT 

LT TR 91-14 

AU P.G. Sorenson 

AU J.P Treblay 

AU A.J. McAllister 

MN May 

YR 1991 

AB The Entity-Attribute-Relationship-Aggregate (EARA) model with
a Graphical Interface (GI) extension supports a metasystem
approach to the development of computer-aided software
engineering (CASE) environments.  A general architecture for this
approach is presented for our system called Metaview.  The EARAGI
model is then described and illustrated using examples from the
Higher Order Software (HOS) approach to software development. 
The unique aspects of the model are the inclusion of aggregation
semantics of software objects and the mapping of software objects
to graphical objects that appear as part of a graphical
interface.  In addition, constraints can be added to a model
description using statements written in a companion environment
constraint language (ECL).  Constraint examples and the
definition of a graphical interface for an HOS environment are
presented.  Finally, a summary and a discussion of future
research activities are provided.