Devon Simmonds

An aspect oriented model driven framework

In model driven development (MDD), specifying transformations between models at various levels of abstraction can be a complex task. Specifying transformations for pervasive system features that are tangled with other system features is particularly difficult because the elements to be transformed are distributed across a model. This paper presents an aspect oriented model driven framework (AOMDF) that facilitates separation of pervasive features and supports their transformation across different levels of abstraction. The framework is illustrated using an example in which a platform independent model of a banking application is transformed to a platform specific model.

Using aspect oriented techniques to support separation of concerns in model driven development

Model driven development (MDD) tackles software complexity through the use of models. However, managing relationships and specifying transformations between models at various levels of abstraction are complex tasks. System models tangled with concerns such as security and middleware make it difficult to develop complex systems and specify model transformations. This paper presents an MDD framework that uses aspect oriented techniques to facilitate separation of concerns. We argue that using the framework will simplify both the model development task and the task of specifying transformations. The conceptual model of the framework is presented and illustrated using distributed transactions at the PIM and PSM levels.

DEVELOPING DISTRIBUTED SERVICES USING AN ASPECT ORIENTED MODEL DRIVEN FRAMEWORK

To manage the development of cooperative information systems that support the dynamics and mobility of modern businesses, separation of concern mechanisms and abstractions are needed. Model driven development (MDD) approaches utilize abstraction and transformation to handle complexity. In MDD, specifying transformations between models at various levels of abstraction can be a complex task. Specifying transformations for pervasive system services that are tangled with other system services is particularly difficult because the elements to be transformed are distributed across a model. This paper presents an aspect oriented model driven framework (AOMDF) that facilitates separation of pervasive services and supports their transformation across different levels of abstraction. The framework facilitates composition of pervasive services with enterprise services at various levels of abstraction. The framework is illustrated using an example in which a platform independent model of a banking service is transformed to a platform specific model.

A middleware‐transparent approach to developing distributed applications

An innovative middleware‐transparent approach to developing distributed applications is presented. The approach uses an aspect‐oriented software development technique to separate an applications middleware‐independent functionality from its middleware‐specific functionality. Application elements that are specific to the middleware are localized in aspects that can be seamlessly integrated into middleware‐independent application designs. The middleware‐transparent approach is used to decouple business functionality from middleware‐specific functionality. The decoupling allows developers to change middleware application elements without significantly modifying business functionality. Middleware technologies such as Java Remote Method Invocation (RMI), Jini, Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) remote procedure call (RPC) and .Net are used as examples to illustrate the approach. Copyright

A Comparative Evaluation of Unit Testing Techniques on a Mobile Platform

Software testing is generally an expensive, ad hoc and unpredictable process. Therefore, a better understanding of and an improvement of unit testing methods may improve the overall software testing process leading to more efficient test method selection and increased fault detection accuracy. The aim of this study is evaluate Black Box and White Box unit testing methods for the Android operating system. While several investigations have looked at unit testing using Black Box and White Box techniques, our research focuses explicitly on unit testing for Android applications. Test cases were created using JUnit and the program under test was seeded with errors by an outside party. We evaluated the performance of these two test methods on the difficulty of developing test cases for each method and the effectiveness of finding software errors in a controlled environment. Our results showed benefits and challenges for both testing techniques. Inferences and implications are also presented.

A Case Study in Software Reengineering

Software reengineering results from several needs including fixing defects (corrective reengineering), modifying the software to address weaknesses or to mitigate potential malfunctions (preventive reengineering), and extending the software to accommodate changes in its external environment (adaptive reengineering). This paper describes a case study in perfective and adaptive reengineering. The rationale for the reengineering decisions, the results of the project, lessons learned and the current state of the system are described.

The Programming Paradigm Evolution

The paradigms and principles governing software development span from machine-language to aspect-oriented programming, and they continue to change and grow.

Exploring Model-Based Design

Many universities are taking advantage of distance education technology in order to provide more learning opportunities for students. This paper describes the design of an interactive classroom environment called White Board. For ease of navigability and access to instructional material, the software is designed with multiple windows and tabs in the basic user interface. The design enables users to access all course data without having to navigate away from the homepage. Windows are updated individually to avoid refreshing the whole page when changing tabs or loading material. Principles of design, results and future directions are presented.