A user interface design for cataloging and identifying reusable software modules: a semantic network approach

A knowledge representation technique for cataloging software modules is described. The software catalog is a multilevel schema that classifies modules according to function, date usage, and application users. A semantic network is used to encode the catalog and also serves as the basis for an interface design for perusing the contents of the catalog. By opening a window on the catalog, encoded knowledge is viewed and can be searched by following the arcs that interrelate software modules, data elements, and users. The catalog is intended to serve as a tool for systems analysts to identify potentially reusable data structures and programming modules at the requirements-analysis stage in developing a novel information system.<
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