The design and implementation of a reusable component library and a retrieval/integration system

Abstract

Rapid prototyping with automated retrieval of reusable software components is a software development method to construct software systems expeditiously. This thesis describes a tool to enhance the practice of software reuse within the Computer Aided Prototyping System (CAPS). A software base interface provides prototype designers with the means to retrieve components and integrate them into new applications. Reusable components are retrieved from the software base using a formal specification as the search key or through a browser. The application language used is the Prototype System Description Language (PSDL). The software base stores the reusable components in an object oriented database management system (ONTOS) with an appropriate PSDL specification. Following a query conducted by the PSDL, specification, chosen retrieved components are transformed and integrated in the system under development. All software base procedures, including the storage, retrieval, and integration of the components are conducted through a graphical user interface which is designed to demonstrate and manipulate available software base operations.