Enabling design evolution in software through pattern oriented approach

Abstract

Architectural erosion in software systems results due to the drifting of code from the existing design. This drifting happens because the changes in code supporting evolving requirements, are not reflected back in the design. The ability to control software artifacts produced in various stages of the software development lifecycle is very crucial. Powerful abstractions for modeling software design is essential for supporting evolution. We propose a pattern oriented approach to software development using patterns as building blocks of architecture. We argue that design evolution in software can best be achieved by replacing existing patterns in the design with new patterns addressing present requirements. Support for design evolution by means of a model for pattern substitution is also presented. Using this model, the design is gracefully evolved and the design changes are seamlessly mapped to code thus preventing architectural erosion. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003.