Exploring multi-level modeling relations using variability mechanisms

Over the last decade multi-level modeling (MLM) approaches have been addressing the need for relaxing the strict constraints on intra- and inter-layer type-instance relationships that are imposed by traditional approaches to meta-modeling. In this paper we explore MLM approaches in the context of Software Product Line Engineering (SPLE), propose a meta-language, and show how it can represent three commonly used variability mechanisms - configuration, parameterization, and template instantiation - within the context of MLM. By this we contribute to simplifying the representation of complex relationships in current MLM approaches and to the formal definition of SPLE variability mechanisms utilizing MLM concepts.