Prototype Family Modelling Tool

Abstract

This document is a cover for deliverable D4.2.3-3 of the ASSERT Project. Deliverable D4.2.3-3 is a prototype product family modelling tool called XFeature. A product family is a set of systems that are built from the same pool of reusable assets. The XFeature tool is based on feature modelling techniques. It allows users to define the common features that are shared by all systems in the family and the variable features that differentiate systems within the family. XFeature is a meta-modelling tool in the sense that it is based on a meta-meta-model and it allows users to define their own family meta-model. The facilities for modelling the family instantiation process will be further extended in the second part of ASSERT. The XFeature tool was initially developed under a separate R&D activity (ESA Contract 18499/04/NL/MV) and is being extended for the ASSERT project. This document gives the address of the XFeature project web site. The project web site gives access to the tool, its documentation, a tutorial on how to use it, and its source code. The XFeature tool is built as a plug-in for the Eclipse platform and is available as free and open software under the terms of the General Public Licence (GPL).