Computer method and apparatus for automating translation to a modeling language

Abstract

Method and apparatus for automating translation of language specific constructs to UML (Unified Modeling Language) during wizard workflow. The invention provides an integration of UML mapping within the wizards that are available within integrated development environments (IDE's). As the user specifies the language specific details within a wizard, the appropriate corresponding UML element (depiction) is drawn and displayed within the wizard. This provides a user with an automated visual depiction of his work utilizing UML and yet allows him to work in the programming language of the wizard. Further, this allows the user to learn UML. Other modeling languages may be applied.

1 . A method for translating language specific constructs to a modeling language, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a mapper, the mapper (i) mapping from code generated in an implementation language to a modeling language, and (ii) producing, in terms of    the modeling language, a depiction of the generated code;    coupling the mapper to a wizard for specifying language specific constructs in the implementation language, said coupling enabling modeling language depictions to be displayed relative to wizard workflow.    
   
   
       2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the modeling language is UML; and 
 the step of coupling enables UML depictions to be displayed during wizard workflow.    
   
   
       3 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said enabling modeling language depictions includes: (i) displaying the modeling language depiction during user input into the wizard for specifying a language-specific construct, and (ii) updating the modeling language depiction and displaying the updated depiction during user further input into the wizard.  
   
   
       4 . A method as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said displaying and said updating and displaying is in a manner that effectively teaches the modeling language to the user.  
   
   
       5 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said coupling enables modeling language depictions to be displayed as part of screen views of the wizard.  
   
   
       6 . Computer apparatus for translating language specific constructs to a modeling language, comprising: 
 a wizard for specifying language-specific constructs in a respective implementation language;    a mapper coupled to receive from the wizard code generated in the implementation language, the mapper producing, in terms of the modeling language, a depiction of the generated code; and    display means for displaying the produced depiction throughout screens of the wizard.    
   
   
       7 . Computer apparatus as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the modeling language is UML, and the mapper produces UML depictions.  
   
   
       8 . Computer apparatus as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the display means further: 
 displays the modeling language depiction during user input into the wizard; and    updates the modeling language depiction and displays the updated depiction during user further input into the wizard.    
   
   
       9 . Computer apparatus as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the display means displays the modeling language depiction and updated modeling language depiction in a manner that effectively teaches the modeling language to the user.  
   
   
       10 . Computer apparatus as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said display means includes a pane embedded in the screens of the wizard.  
   
   
       11 . Computer apparatus as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the mapper and display means enable display of the modeling language depiction upon user command within or outside of the wizard.  
   
   
       12 . A carrier medium comprising computer readable code for controlling a processor to translate language-specific constructs to a modeling language, by carrying out the steps of: 
 within a wizard for specifying language-specific constructs in a respective implementation language:    (a) obtaining user specifications of a language-specific construct, the user specification being with respect to the respective implementation language;    (b) generating code in the respective implementation language in accordance with the user specification;    (c) mapping from the generated code to a modeling language, and producing in terms of the modeling language a depiction of the generated code; and    (d) displaying the produced depiction in screens of the wizard.    
   
   
       13 . A carrier medium as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the modeling language is UML.  
   
   
       14 . A carrier medium as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the step of displaying includes: 
 displaying the modeling language depiction during user input into the wizard; and    updating the modeling language depiction and displaying the updated depiction during user further input into the wizard.    
   
   
       15 . A carrier medium as claimed in  claim 14  wherein said steps of displaying are in a manner that effectively teaches the modeling language to the user.  
   
   
       16 . A carrier medium as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the step of displaying includes displaying the produced depiction and updates thereto throughout wizard workflow.  
   
   
       17 . A carrier medium as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the step of displaying includes displaying the produced depiction upon user command within or outside of the wizard.  
   
   
       18 . A method for teaching translation from language-specific constructs to a modeling language, comprising the steps of: 
 within a wizard for specifying language-specific constructs in a respective implementation language:    (a) obtaining user specifications of a language-specific construct, the user specification being with respect to the respective implementation language;    (b) generating code in the respective implementation language in accordance with the user specification;    (c) mapping from the generated code to a modeling language, and producing in terms of the modeling language a depiction of the generated code; and    (d) displaying the produced depiction in screens of the wizard.    
   
   
       19 . A method as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the modeling language is UML.  
   
   
       20 . A method as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the step of displaying includes: 
 displaying the modeling language depiction during user input into the wizard; and    updating the modeling language depiction and displaying the updated depiction during user further input into the wizard.    
   
   
       21 . A method as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the step of displaying includes displaying the produced depiction and updates thereto throughout wizard workflow.  
   
   
       22 . A method as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the step of displaying includes displaying the produced depiction upon user command within or outside of the wizard.