PIROL: a case study for multidimensional separation of concerns in software engineering environments

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we present our experience with applying multidimensional separation of concerns to a software engineering environment. By comparing two different designs of our system, we show the importance of separating integration issues from the implementation of the individual concerns. We present a model in which integration issues are encapsulated into rst--class connector objects and indicate how this facilitates the understandability, maintenance and evolution of the system. We identify issues of binding time, binding granularity and binding cardinality as important criteria in selecting an appropriate model for separation of concerns. We finally show how a good choice following these criteria and considering the requirements of software engineering environments leads to a system with dynamic configurability, high--level component integration and support for multiple instantiable views.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES

General Terms:
Design, Languages, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
component integration, domain—specific language, separation of concerns, software engineering environment