Introducing connections into classes with static meta-programming

Abstract

Connections can be inserted into classes transparently. Based on an open language with a static meta-object protocol, meta-operators can be constructed that work as connectors, mixing communication code into classes. Thereby, connectors become standard methods in the open language; connections are initiated by standard method calls, and connecting becomes a program transformation. This method paves the way for libraries of connectors which are easy to program, easy to understand, and easy to extend. Equipped with simple drivers, connectors become le-to- le transformation tools. Since connectors can be programmed in variants, architectures of large systems can be congured with the standard software production tooling.