Horizontal transformations between platform independent metamodels of software agents

The conventional approach currently followed in the development of domain-specific modeling languages (DSMLs) for multi-agent systems (MASs) requires the definition and implementation of new model-to-model and model-to-text transformations from scratch in order to make the DSMLs functional for each different agent execution platform. In this thesis, an alternative approach, which considers the construction of the interoperability between MAS DSMLs for a more efficient way of platform support extension, is proposed. The feasibility of using this new interoperability approach instead of the conventional approach is exhibited by discussing and evaluating the model-driven engineering required for the application of both approaches. Use of the approaches are also exemplified with a case study which covers the model driven development of an agent-based stock exchange system. In comparison to the conventional approach, evaluation results show that the interoperability approach requires both less development time and effort considering design and implementation of all required transformations.