Study Of Approaches Of SPL-Oriented Feature Tracing And Evolution

With the rising scale and complexity of software, traditional software development methodology has been unable to meet the demand for software development under the environment where requirement is constantly changing. As a new methodology of software development for mass customization, Software Product Line (SPL) engineering was proposed to solve this problem to some extent. However, deficiency still exists in the research of the feature-driven software product lines. Due to the lack of traceability relations between feature model and core assets, the consistency between the custom of the feature model and relevant components and their implementation process can’t be guaranteed. On the other hand, feature model itself is also lack of consistency constraints.To solve these problems, the thesis proposes a SPL feature model supporting feature traceability and SPL evolving on the basis of existing research results and presents a tool to realize the tracing and evolution of features.First, based on the traditional feature model, this thesis introduces the traceability information between feature and component, binding statement and properties of core assets while constructing feature model. It also defines the rules of consistency constraints based on the analysis of constraint relations between features. At the same time, this thesis presents the formal description of the overall structure of feature model.The thesis is then followed by the tracing method between features and components along with the proposed feature model. According to the refinement relations and constraint relations, it presents the SPL evolution method based on the mechanism of Cross-cutting features and Inversion of Control, and how to ensure the consistency of feature model during its evolution process.Furthermore, to validate the claims of this thesis, it describes a feature-oriented SPL evolution and traceability tool (FSET) that allows developers to build and evolve the feature model in a visual editor with consistency-check mechanism during the process of evolution. On the other hand, FSET realizes the trace links between features and core assets based on tracing method.At last, the thesis presents the design principles for software product line based on feature model and the introduction of separation of concerns. According to the different characteristics of features, the components of SPL are divided into different types and are implemented by packaging strategy and assembly mechanisms. In summary, the thesis focuses on the research of SPL oriented feature model and presents a feature traceability and evolution method which is realized by related tool to support it. At last, the thesis uses the product line of Labor Market Information System to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed methods.