Improving module reuse by interface adaptation

Abstract

Most reuse techniques that involve adaptation of software components focus on transformations at either the design level or the source code level (i.e, individual modules). A third fundamental type of transformation is proposed: interface adaptation. By introducing transformations at the point where module interfaces are bound programmers can reduce coupling between modules in a design, and simultaneously increase cohesion within modules. A language (called Nimble) was created for programmers to implement interface adaptations.<>