Model-Based Refinement of Product Lines

Software product lines are families of related software systems that are developed by taking variability into account during the complete development process. In model-based refinement methods (e.g., ASM, Event-B, Z, VDM), systems are developed by stepwise refinement of an abstract, formal model.

In this project, we develop concepts to combine model-based refinement methods and software product lines. On the one hand, this combination aims to improve the cost-effectiveness of applying formal methods by taking advantage of the high degree of reuse provided by software product lines. On the other hand, it helps to handle the complexity of product lines by providing means to detect defects on a high level of abstraction, early in the development process.