Intuitive AsyncAPI Modeling: Design and Evaluation of a Purpose-Built Graphical Editor

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Computer Engineering, Shahrekord University.

2 Department of Computer Engineering, Shahrekord University

Abstract

This paper explores the challenges in developing AsyncAPI specifications by presenting the design and evaluation of a dedicated graphical editor. This research aims at enhancing usability and productivity and reducing errors associated with AsyncAPI modeling compared to traditional textual and tree-based approaches. The research method involved the design of a graphical editor integrated into the Eclipse environment by using Eclipse Sirius with a model-driven development approach based on the Ecore metamodeling framework. The evaluation was based on four case studies with varying levels of complexity and a questionnaire for 40 participants in which the graphical editor was compared to YAML and tree-based representations regarding its understandability, proneness to errors, and modeling efficiency. The discussion focused on the users' feedback on. The results show that the graphical editor significantly improves usability and reduces errors, particularly for complex cases, thus facilitating a faster grasp of component interrelationships and efficient error detection. While the editor was generally positively assessed, some problems related to scalability for large models and the Eclipse-based infrastructure were reported. In summary, this study illustrates the capacity of graphical modeling to revolutionize AsyncAPI development by providing a more intuitive and effective alternative to conventional textual approaches; however, subsequent research must focus on scalability and platform accessibility in order to enhance widespread utilization.

Keywords

References

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Contributions of Science and Technology for Engineering
Volume 1, Issue 4
December 2024
Pages 44-57

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History

  • Receive Date: 04 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 20 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 21 January 2025
  • First Publish Date: 21 January 2025
  • Publish Date: 07 March 2025

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