A generative reuse approach for component- based software engineering of embedded real-time system

Abstract

Generative reuse is an approach in software reuse where it combines reusable part that not only code but also generic architectures and variations of components for future customization. Generative reuse via application generator is cost effective to build when many similar software systems are written or when evolution of software requires the software to be written and rewritten many times during its lifetime. Software Product Line (SPL) is a suitable field to implement application generator where it can help to generate similar systems and also customize variations needed to the systems functionalities. SPL is a type of reuse where common artifacts can be shared by similar software or members in the product line. Besides sharing common features, each member in the product line has significant variations referred as variability. Variability implementation requires focus on two important issues: delaying design decision and also ease of changes in software. This study is based on the initial proposal of two methods: stepwise refinements and separation of concerns, for the use in generator implementation. Generators with the implementation of these methods have been reportedly used in various SPL implementations. Based on this motivation we study the underlying concepts of these methods and the origin of its idea. We also study the issues and its current implementation in generator. The results of this research can help designer and researcher who are interested in the development of application generator in SPL to comprehend the underlying methods and also its usage in generator.