The feature-architecture mapping (FArM) method for feature-oriented development of software product lines

Software product lines (PLs) are large, complex systems, demanding high maintainability and enhanced flexibility. Nonetheless, in the state of the art PL methods, features are scattered and tangled throughout the system components, leading to poor maintainability. Additionally, the majority of PL methods support manual product composition, while the implementation of feature-level variability in PL products influences the system´s conceptual integrity. Generative programming techniques do enhance flexibility, but on the cost of maintainability. The feature-architecture mapping (FArM) method provides a stronger mapping between features and the architecture. It is based on a series of transformations on the initial PL feature model. During these transformations, architectural components are derived, encapsulating the business logic of each transformed feature and having interfaces reflecting the feature interactions. The flexibility of FArM architectures is supported through the explicit integration of plug-in mechanisms. The methodology is evaluated in the context of a wireless handheld device PL