An automated reuse framework

Abstract

This dissertation contains an in-depth study about code reuse together with other software engineering aspects related to it -namely prototyping, automatic code generation and object-oriented structures. In Chapter 1, an overview about code reuse - including a break-down into and other related topics, describing them from the point of view related to reuse. In Chapter 2, a number of discussion points related to topics covered in the first chapter are analyzed in an attempt to find answers for fundamental questions related to code reuse. Chapter 3 contains the specification of a development methodology aimed at making the most out of the benefits offered by code reuse, together with a set of UML extensions and a suggested hierarchy of reusable components that are designed appropriately for use in the suggested methodology. Chapter 4 contains the design of a CASE-Tool designed as a prototype for applying the concepts specified in Chapter 3 into real-life software development. Chapter 5 contains implementations details about the CASE-tool and the processes, structures and technologies used to implement it. Finally the overall project is evaluated in Chapter 6, highlighting distinguishing features as well as limitations and ending up by suggesting future enhancements on what has been done in this project.