When less is more: implementing optional features

ABSTRACT

The ability to produce products that can be easily adapted to a variety of customers is becoming increasingly important. A key element for adaptable software products is the ability to include or omit features for different product variants. Even when a design method supports feature adaptation there remains the task of actually implementing the modules. In this paper we consider how to implement features in a product context using a variety of techniques and present an analysis of the tradeoffs involved in providing optional features. We will also discuss how to implement feature interactions to accommodate optional features. This paper provides specific advice about implementing program features, using the Java language enhanced with XVCL and AspectJ, when some of the features are optional and when some combinations of features exhibit interactions.

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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.2.13 Reusable Software
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques
      D.2.m Miscellaneous

General Terms:
Design, Languages

Keywords:
feature interaction, feature separation, java, reuse