DYNAMIC MODULE REPLACEMENT IN A DISTRIBUTED PROGRAMMING SYSTEM
T. Bloom · DSpace@MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) · 1983
The replacement of parts of software systems is an important aspect of programming methodology. Most of the research in this area has centered around support for modular construction and the clear separation of interface from implementation. The emphasis has been on producing easily modified static program structures. In the context of the Argus programming system, we examine a method of supporting dynamic modification of software for this class of applications. We determine the appropriate granularity of replacement in relation to the module structure of the language, examine the constraints imposed on dynamic replacement by the need to ensure behavioral consistency across replacements, and then analyze functional requirements for a replacement mechanism.