Application of FOP and AOP methodologies in concert for developing insurance software using eclipse-based open source environment

Abstract

Feature-Oriented Programming (FOP) and Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) are complementary methodologies that can be combined to overcome their individual limitations. In the present study, usefulness of this approach has been investigated in developing Insurance Software: TG-LifeInsurancesoft, using Eclipse-FeatureIDE-AJDT open source environment with Feature composition framework and enhanced tool chain: FeatureHouse. It is observed that integration of AOP concepts into stepwise refinement method of FOP enhances its capability of expressing and handling homogeneous as well as advanced dynamic crosscutting, thus reducing code redundancy, complexity, development time, maintainability and cost of the software system. The study concludes that combination of FOP and AOP methodologies using Eclipse-FeatureIDE-AJDT environment offers a powerful support for modular design and implementation of comprehensible, reusable, consistent, maintainable and cost effective insurance software system with user selected features. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.