On the Energy Consumption of ATL Transformations

Background: Model transformations play a crucial role in Model-Driven Engineering (MDE), with the ATLAS Transformation Language (ATL) being a powerful technology for developing model-to-model transformations. Methods: This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the energy consumption of ATL transformations, aiming to identify possible correlations among transformation rules, model size, and metamodel structural characteristics. We conducted experiments on 52 ATL transformations, analyzing power usage and extending our inquiry to understand the impact of mutations on both models and transformations. Results: The experimental findings reveal relationships between the energy utilization of ATL transformations and the structural characteristics of metamodels. Furthermore, we establish a connection between energy consumption, model size, and the complexity of transformation processes. Conclusion: The insights gained from this research lay the groundwork for devising future energy-efficient strategies while developing model transformations.