Title: BPjs --- a framework for modeling reactive systems using a scripting language and BP,
Abstract: We describe some progress towards a new common framework for model driven
engineering, based on behavioral programming. The tool we have developed
unifies almost all of the work done in behavioral programming so far, under a
common set of interfaces. Its architecture supports pluggable event selection
strategies, which can make models more intuitive and compact. Program state
space can be traversed using various algorithms, such as DFS and A*.
Furthermore, program state is represented in a way that enables scanning a
state space using parallel and distributed algorithms. Executable models
created with this tool can be directly embedded in Java applications, enabling
a model-first approach to system engineering, where initially a model is
created and verified, and then a working application is gradually built around
the model. The model itself consists of a collection of small scripts written
in JavaScript (hence "BPjs"). Using a variety of case-studies, this paper shows
how the combination of a lenient programming language with formal model
analysis tools creates an efficient way of developing robust complex systems.
Additionally, as we learned from an experimental course we ran, the usage of
JavaScript make practitioners more amenable to using this system and, thus,
model checking and model driven engineering. In addition to providing
infrastructure for development and case-studies in behavioral programming, the
tool is designed to serve as a common platform for research and innovation in
behavioral programming and in model driven engineering in general.