Reusing object oriented design: An algebraic approach

Abstract

Based on a model of class specification introduced in previous papers, an inheritance operator is defined which, applied to a class generates a new class which inherits by specialization from the old one. The correctness of the subclass is a consequence of the correctness of the superclass and the modification. Several properties of the operator, such as local confluence and compatibility with inheritance relation, are investigated. These properties form the basis of a reuse methodology for entire class hierarchies, focusing on design reuse instead of code reuse.