Combining Feature-Oriented and Aspect-Oriented Programming to Support Software Evolution.
Sven Apel, Thomas Leich, Marko Rosenmüller, Gunter Saake · 2005
Abstract. Starting from the advantages of using Feature-Oriented Programming (FOP) and program families to support software evolution, this paper discusses the drawbacks of current FOP techniques. In particular we address the insufficient crosscutting modularity that complicates software evolution. To overcome this tension we propose the integration of concepts of Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) into existing FOP solutions. As study object we utilize FeatureC++, a proprietary extension to C++ that supports FOP. After a short introduction to basic language features of FeatureC++, we summarize the problems regarding the crosscutting modularity. In doing so, we point to the strengths of AOP that can help. Thereupon, we introduce three approaches that combine FOP and AOP concepts: Multi Mixins, Aspectual Mixins, and Aspectual Mixin Layers. Furthermore, we discuss their benefits for software evolution. 1