Explaining issues in software reusability via an audio system analogy

Abstract

This paper presents a novel way to introduce and explain several key software design concepts: using an analogy between software systems and audio systems. We stress issues involving software reusability, and we find that the combination of such a practical focus, and an analogy based on such a familiar domain, work together well. Our research work involves a conceptual model for better understanding support for reusability, and we also find the audio analogy works well with our model. The paper explains the elements of the analogy in terms of both our model and standard concepts in software design, and shows how the analogy supports reasonable and motivating explanations of these important issues.