Frameworking

Abstract

Frameworks play a role of increasing importance in today's software development, especially in the construction of large systems. They are seen as software products used to gain a higher degree of re-usability. This paper claims a new perspective on frameworks complementing the actual product oriented view: the process oriented view. To underline this change of view we coined the term 'frameworking' to focus on the process aspects of creating and using frameworks. With this frameworking perspective we examine several aspects of the creation and usage of frameworks. The results of the examination direct us to the insight that frameworks are not simply software too. They have to be considered as something special, demanding new or at least improved process models for software development and management.