An incremental environment for computer-aided design tools

We have developed an incremental computer-aided design library that provides run-time facilities to link, unlink, execute, and list functions. At the heart of the library is an incremental loader that helps designers and users customize their basic tool for their design environment. In this paper, we discuss how four computer-aided design tools have benefited from using the library for simulating C-language models, modifying and enhancing graphical user interfaces, extending command languages, and rapidly testing new functionality. Using SCHEMA and MIDAS as case studies, we also describe how the library improves quality and reduces time to market.