A comparison of logic-based infrastructures for concern detection and extraction

Abstract

In this paper we evaluate logic code analysis and transformation frameworks for their suitability as basic infrastructures for fast detection and extraction of (crosscutting) concerns. Using design patterns as example concerns, we identify desirable properties that an infrastructure should fulfill. We then report our initial results of evaluating candidate systems with respect to these properties. We show how high precision design pattern detectors can be easily formulated as predicates that are evaluated in mere seconds even on the sources of large software systems, such as the Eclipse IDE. Although details still remain to be analyzed further, our current results suggest that the pair JTransformer & CTC is a good candidate for a general infrastructure, combining very good querying performance, scalability and short turn-around times with a seamless integration of querying and transformation capabilities.