Home > Research > Publications & Outputs > A “framework” for object oriented frameworks de...
View graph of relations

A “framework” for object oriented frameworks design

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

Published
Close
Publication date1999
Host publicationTechnology of Object-Oriented Languages and Systems, 1999. Proceedings of
Place of PublicationWashington, DC, USA
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
Pages141-151
Number of pages11
ISBN (print)978-0-7695-0275-5
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Object-oriented frameworks are established tools for domain-specific reuse. Many framework design patterns have been documented, e.g. reverse engineering framework architectures from conventionally built applications for a given domain. The framework development cycle generally evolves from an open framework to a closed application. We describe a more flexible component-based approach to framework design that stresses a common interface for `plugging-in' new components at different lifecycle stages. An analysis of framework-related user roles shows that the classical developer/end-user boundary is too rigid. We see the framework's development as a continuum within which its `actors' can customise its behavior. This both increases the system's flexibility and reduces its maintenance requirement. A case study of three frameworks for different application domains illustrates the presented principles.