Tools for preventive software maintenance

Tools for preventive maintenance of software which is written following the object-oriented paradigm are discussed. A set of guidelines, called the Law of Demeter is described, and its implications for software maintenance are discussed (K.J. Lieberherr, I. Holland, 1989). The advantages of grammar-based object-oriented design and programming for software maintenance are discussed. Two kinds of grammar-based maintenance tool are studied: class evolution tools, especially an automatic class parameterization tool and growth plan tools with applications to software maintenance planning and regression testing.<
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