A dependency constraint language to manage object‐oriented software architectures

TLDR

The paper introduces a domain‑specific dependency constraint language that lets architects define acceptable and unacceptable dependencies in object‑oriented systems. The language’s restrictions are statically enforced by a tool that prevents silent architectural erosions. Applying the approach to multiple versions of a real‑world human‑resource management system demonstrated its practical applicability. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a domain‐specific dependency constraint language that allows software architects to restrict the spectrum of structural dependencies, which can be established in object‐oriented systems. The ultimate goal is to provide architects with means to define acceptable and unacceptable dependencies according to the planned architecture of their systems. Once defined, such restrictions are statically enforced by a tool, thus avoiding silent erosions in the architecture. The paper also presents results from applying the proposed approach to different versions of a real‐world human resource management system. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.