Dynamic Software Product Line Engineering: A Reference Framework

Abstract

Runtime adaptive systems are able to dynamically transform their internal structure, and hence their behavior, in response to internal or external changes. Such transformations provide the basis for new functionalities or improvements of the non-functional properties that match operational requirements and standards. Software Product Line Engineering (SPLE) has introduced several models and mechanisms for variability modeling and management. Dynamic software product lines (DSPL) engineering exploits the knowledge acquired in SPLE to develop systems that can be context-aware, post-deployment reconfigurable, or runtime adaptive. This paper focuses on DSPL engineering approaches for developing runtime adaptive systems and proposes a framework for classifying and comparing these approaches from two distinct perspectives: adaptation properties and adaptation realization. These two perspectives are linked together by a series of guidelines that help to select a suitable adaptation realization approach based on desired adaptation types.