A model-based framework for statically and dynamically checking component interactions

Anne-Francoise Le Meur

Building applications by assembling software components requires analyses of Architecture Description (AD) models for checking that component interactions respect the application and runtime context requirements. Most existing interaction model analyses are static: they do not take into account runtime information, e.g., parameter values.

We have developped CALICO, a model-based framework that enables architects to both specify component interaction and perform dynamic validation. Our framework analyses AD models to identify partially compatible interactions, which require runtime checking. The application is modified in order to reify runtime information for error detection. By using this framework in iterative software design processes, architects can get design feedback, i.e., detected errors, and update the AD models accordingly. Moreover, our solution is generic regarding underlying platforms. This genericity is achieved through the mappings from the generic AD models to platform-specific API calls for constructing the running system.