PhaDOP: A Pharo framework for implementing software product lines using Delta-Oriented Programming and model-based engineering

Abstract

Delta-Oriented Programming is a modular, and flexible paradigm for implementing a Software Product Line. Delta-Oriented Programming involves implementing a core software product alongside a collection of Delta Modules, which encapsulate modifications that can be applied to the core software to obtain the desired product. The applicable Delta modules are activated through product configuration. The core product in Delta-Oriented Programming is mainly an object-oriented program. While Delta-Oriented Programming has the potential to enhance productivity by reusing modifications, its limited availability of tools poses a challenge in managing large-scale software systems, making it difficult for non-experts to use. Model-based engineering offers a viable solution to this problem by utilizing model artifacts instead of code snippets, simplifying product line management based on Delta-Oriented Programming. This paper presents PhaDOP, a framework for implementing Delta-Oriented Programming at the model level in the Pharo environment. The framework provides the necessary structures to construct Software Product Line architecture, organize reusable artifacts, and prepare the Delta Module through a graphical user interface. PhaDOP was evaluated through a case study.