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Information and Software Technology
Volume 49, Issue 7, July 2007, Pages 740-760
 
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doi:10.1016/j.infsof.2006.08.008    How to Cite or Link Using DOI (Opens New Window)
Copyright © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A framework for evaluating reusability of core asset in product line engineeringstar, open

Jin Sun Hera, E-mail The Corresponding Author, Ji Hyeok Kima, E-mail The Corresponding Author, Sang Hun Oha, E-mail The Corresponding Author, Sung Yul Rhewa, E-mail The Corresponding Author and Soo Dong KimCorresponding Author Contact Information, a, E-mail The Corresponding Author

aDepartment of Computer Science, Soongsil University, 1-1 Sangdo-Dong, Dongjak-Ku, Seoul 156-743, Republic of Korea

Received 14 February 2006; 
revised 9 August 2006; 
accepted 30 August 2006. 
Available online 16 October 2006.

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Abstract

Product line engineering (PLE) is a new effective approach to software reuse, where applications are generated by instantiating a core asset which is a large-grained reuse unit. Hence, a core asset is a key element of PLE, and therefore the reusability of the core asset largely determines the success of PLE projects. However, current quality models to evaluate reusability do not adequately address the unique characteristics of core assets in PLE. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for evaluating the reusability of core assets. We first identify the key characteristics of core assets, and derive a set of quality attributes that characterizes the reusability of core assets. Then, we define metrics for each quality attribute and finally present practical guidelines for applying the evaluation framework in PLE projects. Using the proposed framework, the reusability of core assets can be more effectively and precisely evaluated.

Keywords: Reusability; Product line engineering; Quality model; Metric; Core asset

Article Outline

1. Introduction
2. Related works
3. Meta-model of a core asset
4. Characteristics of core assets
5. Quality attributes characterizing the reusability
5.1. Core attributes
5.2. Auxiliary attributes
6. Metrics for reusability of core assets
6.1. Core metrics
6.1.1. Functional commonality
6.1.2. Non-functional commonality
6.1.3. Variability richness
6.1.4. Applicability
6.1.5. Tailorability
6.2. Auxiliary metrics
6.2.1. Component replaceability
6.2.2. Understandability
7. Instructions for applying the metrics with a case study
7.1. Computing functional coverage (FC)
7.2. Computing non-functional commonality (NFC)
7.3. Computing coverage of variability (CV)
7.4. Computing cumulative applicability (CA)
7.5. Computing tailorability (TL)
7.6. Computing component compliance (CC)
7.7. Computing overall understandability (OU)
7.8. Computing the final value of reusability
8. Theoretical analysis and framework assessment
8.1. Theoretical analysis
8.1.1. Attribute validity
8.1.2. Unit validity
8.1.3. Instrumental validity
8.1.4. Protocol validity
8.2. Assessment
8.2.1. Criterion 1. Practical and computable
8.2.2. Criterion 2. Persuasiveness
8.2.3. Criterion 3. Unambiguity
8.2.4. Criterion 4. Consistent in the use of units to compute
8.2.5. Criterion 5. Programming language independent
8.2.6. Criterion 6. Provide feedback
9. Concluding remarks
References


















 
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