Rule-Based Transformation of Graphs and the Product Type

Abstract

This chapter presents rule-based graph transformation as a framework for modeling data-processing systems. It recalls the structuring concept of graph transformation units which allows for transforming graphs in a rule-based, modularized, and controlled way. In order to get a flexible typing mechanism and a high degree of parallelism, this structuring concept is extended to the product of transformation units. Moreover, it is demonstrated how the product type can be used to transform graph transformation units. The authors advocate rule-based graph transformation for all applications where data, knowledge, and information can be modeled as graphs and their transformation can be specified by means of rules in an adequate way.