Component Based Programming

Component-based software development regards software construction in terms of conventional engineering disciplines where the assembly of systems from readily-available prefabricated parts is the norm. Because both component-based systems themselves and the stakeholders in component-based development projects are different from traditional software systems, component-based testing also needs to deviate from traditional software testing approaches.

Embedded systems are ubiquitous. They appear in cell phones, microwave ovens, refrigerators, consumer electronics, cars, and jets. Some of these embedded s- tems are safety- or security-critical such as in medical equipment, nuclear plants, and X-by-wire control systems in naval, ground and aerospace transportation - hicles. With the continuing shift from hardware to software, embedded systems are increasingly dominated by embedded software. Embedded software is complex. Its engineering inherently involves a mul- disciplinary interplay with the physics of the embedding system or environment. Embedded software also comes in ever larger quantity and diversity. The next generation of premium automobiles will carry around one gigabyte of binary code. The proposed US DDX submarine is e?ectively a ?oating embedded so- ware system, comprising 30 billion lines of code written in over 100 programming languages. Embedded software is expensive. Cost estimates are quoted at around US$15– 30 per line (from commencement to shipping). In the defense realm, costs can range up to $100, while for highly critical applications, such as the Space Shuttle, the cost per line approximates $1,000. In view of the exponential increase in complexity, the projected costs of future embedded software are staggering.

Component Oriented Programming offers a unique programming-centered approach to component-based software development that delivers the well-developed training and practices you need to successfully apply this cost-effective method. Following an overview of basic theories and methodologies, the authors provide a unified component infrastructure for building component software using JavaBeans, EJB, OSGi, CORBA, CCM, .NET, and Web services.

As Rails applications grow, even experienced developers find it difficult to navigate code bases, implement new features, and keep tests fast. Components are the solution, and Component-Based Rails Applications shows how to make the most of them.