A First Step Towards a Framework for the Automated Analysis of Feature Models

Abstract

Feature modelling is a common mechanism for variability management in the context of software product lines. After years of progress, the number of proposals to automatically analyse feature models is still modest and the data about the performance of the different solvers and logic representations used in such area are practically non–existent. Three of the most promising proposals for the automated analysis of feature models are based on the mapping of feature models into CSP, SAT and BDD solvers. in this paper we present a performance test between three off-the-shelf Java CSP, SAT and BDD solvers to analyse feature models which is a novel contribution. in addition, we conclude that the integration of such proposals in a framework will be a key challenge in the future