Practical Software Reuse (Wiley Series in Software Engineering Practice) [Hardcover]

Donald J. Reifer (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471578533 | ISBN-13: 978-0471578536 | Publication Date: August 4, 1997 | Edition: 1

The comprehensive guide to software re-engineering and reuse.

Despite the fact that most software uses the same blocks of code over and over again, almost all software is built from the ground up. Just starting to catch on is the idea that these blocks of code can be used as standard components in creating new applications. However, this "assembly line" mentality is foreign to most software developers. Practical Software Reuse shows developers how to take advantage of existing codes to build commercial software faster and cheaper, covering reuse operations, competitive benchmarking, transitioning to the reuse process, utilizing "off-the-shelf" software, and more.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The comprehensive guide to software re-engineering and reuse. Despite the fact that most software uses the same blocks of code over and over again, almost all software is built from the ground up. Just starting to catch on is the idea that these blocks of code can be used as standard components in creating new applications. However, this "assembly line" mentality is foreign to most software developers. Practical Software Reuse shows developers how to take advantage of existing codes to build commercial software faster and cheaper, covering reuse operations, competitive benchmarking, transitioning to the reuse process, utilizing "off-the-shelf" software, and more.

From the Back Cover

Software Development

"There are a handful of books that every software engineer, systems analyst, and software manager should have on his or her bookshelf. . . . I'm delighted to say that I can add Don Reifer's Practical Software Reuse as a must-read item to the list."--Ed Yourdon

Wide-scale software reuse is a concept that has been talked about for decades. Now, thanks to object-oriented languages, CASE tools, Java, and other recent technological advances, it can be a reality for most business organizations. But a successful reuse program is more than just a matter of mastering the technology. Some of the greatest obstacles to successful software reuse are managerial, not technical.

Practical Software Reuse is a complete guide to re-engineering your software organization to take full advantage of state-of-the-art reuse methods. Drawing upon his extensive experience in the field, including several years spent heading up the U.S. Department of Defense Software Reuse Initiative, Don Reifer covers all of the technical and management issues vital to transitioning reuse into your organization. With the help of numerous case studies from leading companies and government organizations, he shows you how to:
* Use the latest reuse methods to dramatically cut production time and cost and improve software reliability
* Handle the many organizational, psychological, and business barriers to reuse
* Make the transition to reuse with minimal risks
* Get maximum reuse from off-the-shelf software
* Sell the decision-makers on reuse
* Develop a solid reuse business case and plan
* Take advantage of early adopter experience to put reuse to work for you

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 374 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (August 4, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471578533
• ISBN-13: 978-0471578536
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,305,590 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #62 in Books > Computers & Technology > Programming > Software Design, Testing & Engineering > Software Reuse

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for "whitebox" reuse, September 22, 2001

By 

Mike Tarrani "www.tarrani.com" (Deltona, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Practical Software Reuse (Wiley Series in Software Engineering Practice) (Hardcover)

Before you purchase this book understand that the author's approach is "whitebox" reuse, wherein you have a repository of *baseline* components that are modified to suit development requirements. Contrast this with the "blackbox" approach wherein components are developed to have well-defined interfaces and internal logic and are not designed to be modified. Each approach has strengths and weaknesses, and each is suited for specific organizations based on business goals. Therefore, if you are a "blackbox" shop or are leaning in that direction this book is not going to meet your needs.

If you are seeking a book based on "whitebox" then this is an excellent introductory text for managers exploring the benefits of software reuse.

The first section, Fundamental Concepts, thoroughly covers the basics of reuse strategy and concepts and critical success factors.

Business case analysis is covered in the second section. The three chapters cover the basics and will provide you with solid information to support a business decision to go with reuse. Do not skip this section because while the whole intent of reuse is cost savings, the realities of implementing and managing reuse are that it requires a significant investment to get there.

The final section covers making the transition to reuse and ongoing management of reuse as an organizational policy and process.

A few final notes: (1) This is not a comprehensive "how-to" book - it is a management-level look at all issues and factors that need to be taken into account before deciding whether or not reuse is a good fit for your organization. (2) If you are exploring or seeking compliance with IEEE Standard 1517, Software Reuse Process, this book will provide you with the business case aspects, but is not necessarily consistent with the process as set forth in 1517.

If "whitebox" reuse is the direction you want to go, this book is an excellent introduction to reuse as a concept, and the associated business case issues and transition requirements.