Synchronization Techniques in Object Oriented Software Development Environments : Bringing a Synchronized State among Model and Code Components in Xtext Framework

Abstract: Code Synchronization is the process to achieve an equalized state among code domains. However, the equalization process is not clearly defined. An equal state can be achieved in various forms, such as destroying all irrelevant code parts, or just letting them exist without including them in the synchronization process. For this reason, a synchronization process is depended on its synchronization behavior. This behavior is the characteristics of the process. Additionally, conditions of a synchronization process have an impact on the realization of the behavior. Behavior can only be realized if the conditions of compared states, environment variables, and abilities are configured in support of the behavior. Thus, it can be said that synchronization behavior is both the analyzer and the decision maker of a synchronization process.When a synchronization process consists of a singular synchronization analysis and implementation process for two or more code bodies, then this can also be called a synchronization attempt. A synchronization attempt is analyzed under the provided synchronization behavior in limited, expected and exceptional conditions. Though this analysis, any synchronization attempt can be concluded in the synchronization behavioral expectations.It was observed that a new synchronization theory is required to overcome the needs for the synchronization mechanisms. For this reason, synchronization as aconcept has been researched and two contributions are generated. One of these is to establish a start point for synchronization studies, which is defined in nature of synchronization. Secondly, by using the findings from nature of synchronization, expected behaviors during synchronization have been analyzed as functional calculations. These functional calculation processes have been classified and they are documented for every classified case. Additionally, a methodology for analysis and design of synchronization mechanisms has been provided. Later, this is used on Xtext Framework.This research is conducted for a double degree master program in Computer Science in Uppsala University and Software Engineering in Tongji University. The project is conducted in BMW ConnectedDrive Laboratories, Shanghai, China. It is supervised by Uppsala University, Tongji University, and Shanghai based BMW China Connected Drive Research Laboratory. It is aimed to satisfy the academic research needs of BMW AG.