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Embedding, Evolution, and Validation of Model-Driven Spreadsheets

2014; IEEE Computer Society; Volume: 41; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1109/tse.2014.2361141

2326-3881

Jácome Cunha, João Paulo Fernandes, Jorge Mendes, João Saraiva,

Green IT and Sustainability

This paper proposes and validates a model-driven software engineering technique for spreadsheets. The technique that we envision builds on the embedding of spreadsheet models under a widely used spreadsheet system. This means that we enable the creation and evolution of spreadsheet models under a spreadsheet system. More precisely, we embed ClassSheets, a visual language with a syntax similar to the one offered by common spreadsheets, that was created with the aim of specifying spreadsheets. Our embedding allows models and their conforming instances to be developed under the same environment. In practice, this convenient environment enhances evolution steps at the model level while the corresponding instance is automatically co-evolved. Finally, we have designed and conducted an empirical study with human users in order to assess our technique in production environments. The results of this study are promising and suggest that productivity gains are realizable under our model-driven spreadsheet development setting.