5.2.3 Code generation
Code generation
works similarly to other generators described in the previous section. The code
generators are modeling language and target language dependent. This means that
code generators available for one modeling language are not necessarily
available for others (e.g. there is a C++ generator for UML Class Diagrams but
not for the Digital Watch example).
The set of predefined code generators shipped with
MetaEdit+ include:
 | UML:
C++, Java,
Smalltalk,
Delphi and CORBA IDL, plus
JavaScript for
WebApps. |
| Digital
Watch: Java, including variants for MIDP and Android;
C#, including a variant for Windows Phone; and
C. |
| Entity-Relationship
Diagram:
SQL |
| Turtle
Graphics:
Python |
| Mobile
UI: Python,
C++ |
| SDL:
SDL |
| Heating
System: PLC |
Descriptions of each generator
can be found from the comments at the start of that generator’s
definition.
Code generation is available from the Graph |
Generate... menu or the Generate toolbar command that are available
in all editors, as well as through the Generate... menu or
Generate Launcher toolbar button in Graph and Type Browsers when a graph
is selected. For example, to generate and compile C# code for the Watch
example:
| 1) | Choose
the ‘WatchModels’ WatchFamily graph in the Graph
Browser. |
| 2) | Press
the Generate button in the Launcher toolbar. Alternatively, open the
pop-up menu with the right mouse button and select Generate....
|
| 3) | Select
‘Autobuild’ from the dialog that
appears. |
As a result of the selection C#
class definitions are written into files, compiled and executed.
In line with the other customizable metamodeling features
of MetaEdit+, code generation can be extended to cover other modeling and
programming languages. For more information about how to define generators, see
‘MetaEdit+ Workbench User’s
Guide’.
