A biological-like synthesis framework for software engineering environments

Abstract

This research proposes a Biological-like Architecture for Software Systems (BASS) that make up of software components. The design principle is to mimic the simplicity of uni-cellular life form as fixed-sized blocks linearly arranged as a flat array so that all references to those components can be reached directly. Each component holds its attributes and operations to permit self-execution without external support. Like living cells, this autonomy is modeled to be short-lived that undergoes a three-stage life cycle, namely, creation, sustainment, and cessation. This cycle must run to completion within a predefined Time-To-Live (TTL) limit. When the time limit of an existing component expires, a new component is created to replace in situ to conserve system energy and overhead. A simulation is conducted to test the operating characteristics of this three-stage life cycle under the time limit. The results reveal that component replacement in situ is practically viable. It is envisioned that BASS will offer an energy-efficient environment that can alleviate software systems resource utilization considerably.