The eclipse modeling framework : a developer's guide

EMF is a powerful framework and code generation facility for building Java applications based on simple model definitions. Designed to make modeling practical and useful to the mainstream Java programmer, EMF unifies three important technologies: Java, XML, and UML. Models can either be defined using a UML modeling tool, an XML Schema, or by specifying simple annotations on Java interfaces whereby programmers write the abstract interfaces (a small subset of what they would normally need to write), and the rest is generated automatically and merged back into their existing code. This book thoroughly describes EMF and shows how EMF-based modeling is a foundation for fine-grained interoperability and data sharing among tools and applications. The authors provide a basic overview of the most important concepts in EMF and modeling as well as clear explanations with step-by-step instructions for defining EMF models. This book shows how the Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF) has successfully bridged the gap between modelers and Java programmers. It serves as a gentle introduction to modeling for Java programmers and at the same time as a reinforcement of the modeler's theory that plenty of Java coding can be automated, given an appropriate tool. The Barnes & Noble Review For many developers, modeling is like flossing. You know you probably should, but you can t stand the hassle. But what if someone gave you the key benefits of modeling with a far lower cost of entry ? Someone has. And there s more. The Eclipse Modeling Framework is free. It s part of the open source Eclipse project, which is building a truly awesome collection of integrated, commercial-quality developer tools. (Let s be more precise. Eclipse is a platform for developing whatever new tool your heart desires and integrating your tool with others doing likewise. But many of the 3 million developers who ve downloaded Eclipse did so for the tools that already exist, especially Eclipse s state-of-the-art Java development environment.) We digress. Let s get back to models. When you think about them, you think UML: class diagrams, collaboration diagrams, state diagrams, and so forth. That usually means expensive OOA/D tools. Once you ve done all that modeling, then what? While you can generate code from the model, quite a few organizations use it primarily as documentation. No wonder folks can t be bothered. Now, compare and contrast with EMF. EMF uses XML Metadata Interchange (XMI) to define models. You can create XMI with your fave-rave XML or text editor or export it from the modeler you already own. But most folks will build EMF models a third way: by annotating Java interfaces with model properties, within the Eclipse IDE. No expensive tools. No Everest-scale learning curves. Once you ve built your model, EMF s generator can create corresponding Java implementation classes for you. If you edit these classes with your own methods and instance variables, you can still regenerate them from the model. If you wish - and it s up to you - you can integrate modeling and programming as never before. Meanwhile, EMF s handling all sorts of nitty tasks for you, such as model change notification. Excited yet? Then read Eclipse Modeling Framework . Authored by a team of IBMers at the heart of the Eclipse project, it s all you need to know to get results with EMF. A little Java experience is all you need: The authors cover every detail of defining EMF models and generating code from them. They review all three ways to define EMF models and carefully walk through the powerful Ecore metamodel. There s extensive coverage of using the EMF Generator and its associated patterns, with a chapter-length case study. You ll find plenty of tips for building the best possible models, too - and these authors have done more EMF modeling than anyone. The book ends with a complete Quick Reference to the EMF 1.1 API and to EMF.Edit API, which provides generic, reusable classes for building editors for EMF models. By the time you get there, you ll be raring to go. Bill Camarda Bill Camarda is a consultant, writer, and web/multimedia content developer. His 15 books include (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?isbn=0789718529) Special Edition Using Word 2000 and (http://cart2.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?isbn=0764505424) Upgrading & Fixing Networks for Dummies, Second Edition . The Eclipse Modeling Framework unifies Java(TM), XML, and UML-enabling developers to rapidly construct robust applications based on surprisingly simple models. In this book, leading EMF implementers illuminate every facet of using EMF for both modeling and code generation. Discover how EMF makes modeling easy and practical enough for virtually any Java project-and why EMF modeling provides a solid foundation for fine-grained interoperability and data sharing across multiple tools and applications. Part of the "Eclipse Series", this book unifies Java', XML, and UML - enabling students to construct applications based on simple models. In this book, leading EMF implementers illuminate various facets of using EMF for both modeling and code generation.