Self-configuring components for client/server applications

Abstract

A mechanistic view of software component assembly implies exact matching and fitting of the particular components. We argue that components for large-scale software construction should have automatic configuration capabilities in order to significantly enhance their reusability and maintainability. The paper sketches a pragmatic approach for implementing self-configuring components, relying on framework technology, meta-information and naming conventions. A case study drawn from the client/server domain illustrates the concepts.