Have model transformation languages failed?

Model transformation plays an essential role in model-driven engineering. Models need to be transformed into other languages (e.g. for analysis) or rewritten (e.g. for optimisation or simulation). Specialised languages like ATL, ETL or QVT were designed for these tasks and became popular decades ago...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Lara Jaramillo, Juan de, Guerra Sánchez, Esther, Sánchez Cuadrado, Jesús
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Repositorio:Biblos-e Archivo. Repositorio Institucional de la UAM
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:biblosearchi::f25fb8f5f39a0dfa44204fbb4438d099
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10486/758001
https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10270-026-01360-2
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Model-driven engineering
Model transformation
Model transformation languages
Informática
Descripción
Sumario:Model transformation plays an essential role in model-driven engineering. Models need to be transformed into other languages (e.g. for analysis) or rewritten (e.g. for optimisation or simulation). Specialised languages like ATL, ETL or QVT were designed for these tasks and became popular decades ago. However, looking at trends in academic venues and open-source repositories, we observe that their popularity has decayed in the last few years. This paper provides a retrospective on model transformation languages, analyses their current state in scientific venues and development platforms, and discusses possible reasons for their recent decline in popularity. Moreover, in light of current trends in AI-assisted development, we outline new research directions where model transformation languages can play a pivotal role, paving the way for their renewed adoption