Home > Research > Publications & Outputs > Aspect-Oriented Solutions to Feature Interactio...
View graph of relations

Aspect-Oriented Solutions to Feature Interaction Concerns using AspectJ

Research output: Contribution in Book/Report/Proceedings - With ISBN/ISSNConference contribution/Paperpeer-review

Published
Publication date2003
Host publicationFeature Interactions in Telecommunications and Software Systems VII
EditorsDaniel Amyot, Luigi Logrippo
Place of PublicationAmsterdam
PublisherIOS Press
Pages87-104
Number of pages17
ISBN (print)9781586033484
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a two-level architecture for feature driven software development, consisting of a base layer for a feature’s core behaviour and a meta- layer for resolution modules that provide solutions to feature interaction problems. Whilst a standard programming language is used at the base level, e.g. an object- oriented language such as Java, we propose the use of an aspect-oriented programming language for the inherent cross-cutting concerns that exist at the meta- level. We evaluate the use of AspectJ for the implementation of interaction resolution modules at the meta-level. This evaluation is carried out through an in- depth study of an email system. We conclude that aspect-oriented approaches are highly suited for this split-level architecture and that the architecture has many benefits for feature driven software development. Finally, we also highlight a number of problems with AspectJ for our intended use, but discuss how the selection of an alternative aspect-oriented technique would avoid these problems.