Incremental design: Programming with holes and evolvers

Abstract

Incremental design allows the system developer to define the system software in convenient stages. Often when all the parts of the system are defined the system is ready for deployment. However it is possible to delay the definition of some parts of the system definition to when it is more convenient post-deployment. In this paper we will explore a unifying approach to incremental design that accommodates both pre-deployment and post-deployment but more importantly outlines a system structuring for incremental design. It will contain the notion of holes and evolvers in incremental system design along with other concepts and technologies that are required to support it. The contribution of this paper comprises: a study of the intrinsic nature of programming with holes and evolvers including increments; static and dynamic systems; E-P structuring; and autonomic and emergent change. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.