Domain-based reengineering of a spatially explicit individual-based population modeling and simulation research tool
Date
2002
Authors
Macdonald, Sachen Mary Margaret
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Abstract
This study is based on the reengineering of a research tool for spatially explicit individual-based population modeling and simulation. Reengineering is typically based on various program analysis methods such as parsing and data flow analysis of the existing code base. Wbile these methods can provide some insight as to the functionality of the program, they rarely capture the intention or purpose of the program. This is particularly true with respect to programs designed for research since they generally evolve to accommodate new research ideas and the intention or purpose of the program is obscured. Even though this domain is fairly well known and there are many examples of similar applications, there lacks clear and prescriptive guidance on how a program in this class should be designed. In this study, we used a domain engineering methodology to understand common requirements in this domain and an object-oriented framework to document that understanding. This framework is then used to guide the reengineering process.