Using agent-based technology for aspect-oriented development

Abstract

Aspect-oriented technologies are increasingly promoting new ways of developing software in order to better control change and improve software adaptability and evolution. However, aspect-oriented development still appears strongly attached to the underlying programming approach used to support it, rather than to design mechanisms guiding development. In this context, we propose an approach for enhancing aspect-oriented software development considering aspects as first-class design entities. This work presents an agent-based tool called Smartweaver, which allows developers to describe aspect designs using UML extensions and a special documentation method, and then provides smart assistance through a planning agent to translate these specifications into particular AOP implementation technologies.