Multi-view software evolution: a UML-based framework for evolving object-oriented software

It is well-known that uncontrolled change to software can lead to increasing evolution costs caused by deteriorating structure and compromised system qualities. For complex systems, the need to carefully manage system evolution is critical. In this paper we outline an approach to managing evolution of object-oriented (OO) software. The approach is based on a goal-directed, cyclic process, in which OO models are transformed and quantitatively evaluated in each cycle. Evaluation criteria guide developers in choosing between alternative transformations in each cycle. The process, transformations, and evaluation techniques can be used to develop systems from a set of baseline models.