Eclipse eTrice - Real-Time Modeling Tools

eTrice provides an implementation of the ROOM (Real-Time Object-Oriented Modeling) modeling language together with editors, code generators for Java, C++ and C code and target middleware.
The model is defined in textual form (Xtext) with graphical editors (Graphiti) for the structural and behavioral (i.e. state machine) parts.

eTrice is all about the reduction of complexity:

• structural complexity
  • by explicit modeling of hierarchical Actor containment and layering
• behavioral complexity
  • by hierarchical state machines
• teamwork complexity
  • because loosely coupled Actors provide a natural way to structure team work
  • since textual model notation allows simple branching and merging
• complexity of concurrent & distributed systems
  • because loosely coupled Actors are deployable to threads, processes, nodes
• complexity of variant handling and reuse (e.g. for product lines)
  • by composition of existing Actors to new structures
  • since Protocols and Ports make Actors replaceable
  • by inheritance for structure, behavior and Protocols
  • by making use of model level libraries
• complexity of debugging
  • model level debugging: state machine animation, data inspection and manipulation, message injection, generated message sequence charts
  • model checking easier for model than for code (detect errors before they occur)

Some Highlights of eTrice​

Textual Model Editor​

The model files are stored in a purely textual and easily readable form. The DSL is created using Xtext and a fully featured editor with syntax highlighting, content assist, template proposals and outline view is provided.

The models allow to import other model parts and thus allow an arbitrary granularity as well as working with modeling libraries. Another great advantage is the relatively simple and understandable behavior in the case of merge conflicts. The user will be able to resolve conflicts by reviewing the changes.

Graphical Structure Editor​

The Structure Editor allows to edit the Actor Structure in a convenient way. It is possible to create and arrange actor references and ports and to create bindings and layer connections.

Graphical Behavior Editor​

The Behavior Editor allows to describe the Actor Behavior by means of a hierarchical finite state machine. It is possible to create and arrange states, choice points, transition points and transitions.

Code Generators​

Currently eTrice has two generators for ANSI-C and for Java code. A C++ generator is currently being developed. We strive to achieve a good readability of the generated code.

Java and C Runtime​

The Runtimes provide basic infrastructure like messaging and debug support in form of the generation of sequence diagrams from the running application. Thanks to the good Java (JDT) and C (CDT) integration within the Eclipse IDE very short round trip times can be achieved.