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Effective software maintenance and evolution. A reuse-based approach. (English) Zbl 1147.68015

Boca Raton, FL: Auerbach Publications (ISBN 978-0-8493-3592-1/hbk). xxv, 392 p. (2007).
The focus of the book is on software maintenance and evolution using the mixed-strategy approach developed by the author based on concepts of Frame Technology by Netron, Inc.
In Part I conventional methods of software maintenance and evolution are described, namely static program analysis, reverse engineering methods, model-based design, software configuration management. Summary and discussion of conventional techniques is the starting point of Part II devoted to the mixed-strategy approach.
The mixed-strategy approach combines program code and its description of design and changes during maintenance and evolution into a unified representation. The aim is to reduce complexity of software and its maintenance costs. This representation allows for systematic identification of similarity patterns in evolving software and their unification with generic adaptable program structures. It enables also reuse-based evolution, that means, the knowledge of past software changes is reused to effectively implement future changes.
An essential component of the mixed-strategy approach is XVCL, an XML-based variant configuration language including an XVCL processor. XVCL’s mechanisms cater to both generic design and separation of concerns. Developing an XVCL solution means to partition a software program into generic, adaptable metacomponents, capable of accommodating changes arising during evolution.
Following the author the book is meant for a wide audience of researchers, practitioners, and students interested in software design in general and technical aspects of maintenance and evolution in particular. This statement is supported by the structure of the book. E.g., each chapter of Part I is partitioned into summary, motivation, state of the art, description of methods including examples, limitations and conclusions, and bibliography.

MSC:

68N99 Theory of software
68-01 Introductory exposition (textbooks, tutorial papers, etc.) pertaining to computer science

Software:

XVCL; Columbus
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