AOP as a first class reflective mechanism

ABSTRACT

AOP is often perceived as a second class reflective mechanism, whereas reflection in OOP is considered first class. However, perceiving AOP as a first class language mechanism is conductive to developing a general AOP model, which can be a basis for an overall theory of AOP. We illustrate this view by comparing AOP with reflection and illustrating that both mechanisms are conceptually at the same level.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.1 PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES
      D.1.5 Object-oriented Programming

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques
          Subjects: Modules and interfaces
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.2 Language Classifications
          Subjects: Object-oriented languages

General Terms:
Design, Languages

Keywords:
aspect-oriented programming (AOP), reflection