Towards agent-oriented assistance for framework instantiation

ABSTRACT

In this work we present a tool for assisting object-oriented framework instantiation based on Intelligent Agent technology. Differently from other approaches, the user is able to select the functionality needed for the new application, and based on this selection an agent elaborates a sequence of programming activities that should be carried out in order to implement it. In addition, the agent guides the execution of the activities according to the framework design. To enable this behavior, the framework need to be documented following the SmartBooks method, which extends traditional framework documentation with instantiation rules. In this paper we present an example of an instantiation environment built based on these ideas and the main characteristics of the SmartBooks method for documenting frameworks through instantiation knowledge rules.

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INDEX TERMS

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

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.1 PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.7 Distribution, Maintenance, and Enhancement
          Subjects: Documentation
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.3 Language Constructs and Features
          Subjects: Frameworks

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

General Terms:
Design, Documentation, Languages, Management, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
application framework reuse, planning, software development, support tools