Pattern-based design recovery of Java software

ABSTRACT

In this paper we show how to recover design information from Java source code. We take a pattern-based approach and proceed in a step by step manner deriving several layers of increasing abstraction. A compiler collects information about inheritance hierarchies and method call relations. It also looks for particular source text patterns coming from naming conventions or programming guidelines.The result of the compile phase is a graph acting as the starting graph of a graph grammar that describes our design recovery process. We define criteria for the automatic detection of associations and aggregations between classes, as well as for some of the popular design patterns such as composite or strategy.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.2 Language Classifications

          Nouns: Java

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

  F. Theory of Computation
  F.4 MATHEMATICAL LOGIC AND FORMAL LANGUAGES
      F.4.2 Grammars and Other Rewriting Systems
          Subjects: Grammar types (e.g., context-free, context-sensitive)

  G. Mathematics of Computing
  G.2 DISCRETE MATHEMATICS

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
      K.6.3 Software Management
          Subjects: Software development

General Terms:
Design, Languages, Performance, Theory