[Modeling] comments on AUML diagrams

[James Odell]

Dear Mellouli,

Could you provide more detail on you opinions?
Perhaps, you could also contribute some of your own ideas and papers -- or
write chapters for AUML specifications even now.
Also, you say wish (as we do)  "solutions that can be mapped to code
easily."  Can you give us more detail?  (Particularly, when there are
members of the AUML team that are now transforming AUML diagrams to code.)

At this point, we need participants that will provide tangible ideas and
contributions that can be turned into specifications.  We hope that you will
help in this manner.


Regards,

Jim Odell




On 4/11/03 6:14 PM, "sehl mellouli" indited:

> Dear All,
> I have some comments on AUML diagrams. AUML is based on UML with some
> deviation/extension on notations. Nevertheless, IMO, the difference
> between AUML and UML is not only notation but also the agent concept
> itself. Agents are not objects; they have another structure (mental
> structure) that objects have not.
> 
> An object is described by attributes and functions, but not an agent. An
> agent has its beliefs, desires and intentions (this is an agent
> structure), if we consider BDI architecture. This structure can be
> described by attributes and functions itself but the agent structure is
> not attributes and functions.
> 
> Agents can share knowledge, can play many roles, can see their roles
> changing during execution. Does a class diagram with some new
> stereotypes consider these aspects? IMO, I don't tnink so.
> 
> IMO, object oriented technology is widely used because object-oriented
> methodlogies propose concrete solutions, that are solutions that can be
> mapped to code easily.
> 
> Looking at the AUML diagrams, are they easily mapped to code? can an
> agent be developed as a class? I think no.
> 
> Developing diagrams is vital to design MAS but also we have to consider
> that these diagrams will be developed later and there is a big gap
> between agent theory and agent development.
> 
> I propose, in developing AUML diagrams, to consider how agent specific
> aspects will be developed.
> 
> Best regards,
> 
> -- 
> Mellouli Sehl
> Computer Science Engineer
> Information Systems Administration MBA
> Computer Science Phd Student
> Université Laval, Québec, P.Q, Canada
> Tél: bur (418) 656-2131 (4704)
> Home page: http://www.ift.ulaval.ca/~mellouli