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Code Generation Guide

This guide explains how to create code generation projects, manage templates, and produce downloadable outputs.



Metamodel Design

Code generation fundamentals

Code generation is project-based.

A project contains:

  • project metadata (name, description)
  • target metamodel
  • one or more templates

Each template contains:

  • language (java or python)
  • template content (Handlebars-style)
  • output filename pattern

Open the code generation workspace

You can open code generation in two ways:

  • from navigation (standalone page)
  • from a diagram card (Generate Code)

When opened from a diagram context, generation prioritizes that diagram/model context where applicable.

Select or create a project

At the top of the page:

  1. Select existing project from project selector.
  2. Or create a new project.

For new projects provide:

  • project name
  • target metamodel
  • optional description

Manage templates in a project

Projects support multiple templates (tabbed editor inside project dialog).

Template fields:

  • template name
  • language (Java/Python)
  • output filename pattern (example: {{name}}.java)
  • template content

Multiple template tabs let you generate multi-file outputs from one run.

Use example templates and projects

The workspace provides:

  • Example Templates tab
  • preloaded example projects/templates

You can start from an example and adapt it to your metamodel.

Generate code

Generation flow:

  1. Select project.
  2. Click Generate.
  3. Review generated files in Generated Files tab.
  4. Download one file or download all as ZIP.

Model selection behavior:

  • service resolves models conforming to project target metamodel
  • when diagram context exists, it prioritizes that diagram model
  • generation can run diagram-based or model-based paths

Template syntax and helpers

Templates support Handlebars-style expressions and helpers.

Common helper examples in UI:

  • capitalize
  • lowercase
  • camelCase
  • snakeCase

The editor also includes autocompletion support for template authoring.

Generated outputs

Generated Files tab provides:

  • file list
  • file content preview
  • single-file download
  • bulk ZIP download

Edit, delete, and share projects

Project-level operations include:

  • edit project and templates
  • delete project
  • share project with other users (if permitted)

Sharing follows role/permission behavior defined for resource sharing.

Common issues and fixes

No output generated

Cause: project has no valid templates or no compatible models.

Fix: verify target metamodel and template list.

Generation fails with model error

Cause: no model found for selected target metamodel.

Fix: create or select a model conforming to the target metamodel.

Filename pattern problems

Cause: invalid or empty output pattern.

Fix: use a valid Handlebars pattern and include extension.

Template variable not resolving

Cause: variable path does not exist in generation context.

Fix: inspect available context and adjust variable names.

Unintended project overwrite behavior

Cause: editing existing project while expecting new copy.

Fix: create a new project when branching template sets.

Recommended workflow

  1. Finalize metamodel and model first.
  2. Create small project with one template.
  3. Generate and inspect output.
  4. Add additional templates for multi-file generation.
  5. Share project once stable.

Relevant files

  • frontend/src/components/codegeneration/CodeGenerator.tsx: Main code generation workspace UI.
  • frontend/src/services/codegeneration/codegeneration.service.ts: Frontend code generation orchestration service.
  • frontend/src/services/codegeneration/codegen-generation-engine.service.ts: Template execution and output assembly logic.
  • frontend/src/services/codegeneration/templateAutocomplete.service.ts: Template editor completion helpers.
  • backend/src/routes/codegen.routes.ts: Backend API endpoints for projects, templates, and generation operations.

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