A transformation converts elements of a source model to elements of a target model. For example, the source and target model can be text files, code models or UML models. When the source and target models are both UML models, the transformation usually converts the elements from one level of abstraction to another. A transformation configuration is an instance of a transformation that includes information that is used by all transformations such as a unique name, the source, and the target of the transformation. A transformation uses the information you provide in a transformation configuration when it executes.
A transformation configuration can also include properties specific to a given transformation. When a configuration is run, an instance of the transformation is created and is executed with the properties defined in that configuration.
The execution of a transformation depends on conversion rules where a rule converts one type of source element into one or more target elements. In addition to conversion rules, a transformation contains a mechanism to traverse the elements of the source model and to selectively execute the appropriate rules based upon the element type and rule specific criteria. For example, a given rule may only be executed if the model element type is a UML class and that element has a specific stereotype applied to it. Therefore, some transformations may require a particular UML profile be applied to the source model elements before it can successfully convert those elements into target elements.
Parent topic: Applying transformations
Related tasks
Creating and modifying a transformation configuration