Feature-Oriented Programming: A Fresh Look at Objects

We propose a new model for exible composition of objects et of features. Features are similar to (abstract) subclasses, but only provide the core functionality of a (sub)class. Overwriting other methods is viewed as resolving feature interactions and is speci ed separately for two features at a time. This programming model allows to compose features (almost) freely in a way which generalizes inheritance and aggregation. For a set of n features, an exponential number of different feature combinations is possible, assuming a quadratic number of interaction resolutions. We present the feature model as an extension of Java and give two translations to Java, one via inheritance and the other via aggregation. We further discuss parameterized features, which work nicely with our feature model and can be translated into Pizza, an extension of Java.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1997
• Where: ECOOP
• Authors: Christian Prehofer
• Keywords: ECOOP 1997, Feature Interactions, Feature Model, Model, Programming Languages