Automated development of hybrid graphical-textual modeling editors
"Automated development of hybrid graphical-textual modeling editors" presented by Ionut Predoaia (University of York) introduces Graphite, an open-source framework for generating hybrid editors for domain-specific languages. This session was recorded at Open Community Experience 2026 (OCX26) in Brussels, Belgium, as part of the OC for Tooling.
This session focuses on hybrid graphical-textual modeling for domain-specific languages (DSLs) and how to automate the development of supporting editors.
Hybrid DSLs combine graphical modelling for structure with textual syntax for detailed logic and behaviour, improving collaboration across stakeholders with different expertise.
The talk outlines key capabilities required for hybrid editors, including syntax-aware textual editing, graphical-textual cross-referencing, consistency enforcement, integrated refactoring, and unified error reporting. These features ensure that changes in one representation are reflected across the entire model.
Graphite is introduced as an Eclipse-based framework that automates much of this process. It builds on EMF, Sirius, and Xtext, using model-driven techniques and code generation to reduce the need for extensive handwritten editor logic.
The workflow involves defining a meta-model, specifying graphical and textual syntaxes, and using Graphite to generate the editor infrastructure. While automation reduces effort, defining concrete syntaxes and grammars remains the most complex step.
The session also highlights current limitations, such as required meta-model modifications, and explores future directions including web-based tooling and potential integration with language server protocols.
Key topics covered
hybrid graphical-textual DSL design
limitations of purely graphical or textual modelling
syntax-aware editing and cross-referencing
consistency enforcement across representations
model-driven engineering with EMF, Sirius, Xtext
Graphite framework architecture
automated editor generation workflows
meta-model design and constraints
grammar definition challenges
future of hybrid modelling tools
Why this matters
Most DSL tooling breaks down at scale because editors are too manual to build. Automating that layer is the difference between a prototype and something teams actually use.
About OCX26
Open Community Experience 2026 is the Eclipse Foundation’s flagship event, held in Brussels, Belgium. It brings together developers, architects, and industry leaders to explore open source technologies across domains including tooling, AI, automotive, and cloud-native systems, with a focus on real-world implementation. Learn more at https://www.ocxconf.org/
Chapters
00:00 introduction to hybrid editors
00:49 hybrid graphical-textual DSL concepts
02:08 abstract vs concrete syntax
03:45 core components of hybrid editors
04:48 editor capabilities and features
07:21 real-world DSL examples
10:04 demo of hybrid editors
15:48 introducing Graphite framework
16:59 architecture and dependencies
17:55 generation workflow overview
20:30 concrete syntax definition challenges
23:04 automation vs manual implementation
27:57 generating hybrid editors with Graphite
29:23 validation and tooling support
30:26 future directions and improvements