Download Xtext/Sirius White Paper

Overview

You are going to create a domain-specific modeling tool and you wonder how users will edit and visualize the models: textually with a dedicated syntax and a rich textual editor ? or graphically with diagrams drawn with a palette and smart tools?

Both approaches are interesting and can be used complementary: While text is able to carry more detailed information, a diagram highlights the relationship between elements much better. In the end, a good tool should combine both, and use each notation where it suits best.

In this white paper, we will explain the benefits of each approach. Then we will present Eclipse Xtext and Eclipse Sirius, two open-source frameworks for the development of textual and graphical model editors. And finally, we will detailed two use-cases where these two technologies can be integrated in the same modeling workbench.

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