CMU CS 15-675 Architectures for Software Systems Spring 1996
Garlan & Shaw Questions and Answers on Readings for Lecture 12 Due: February 21, 1996
Readings:
Alexander, C., Ishikawa, S., Silverstein, M., Jacobson, M., Fiksdahl-King, I., and Angel, S. A Pattern Language. Oxford University Press, New York, 1977 (excerpts: pp. ix-xvii, 80-85, 304-309, and 797-800).
Mularz, D. "Pattern-Based Integration Architectures." Unpublished manuscript, 1994.
Kerth, N. ``Caterpillar's Fate: A Pattern Language for Transformation from Analysis to Design.'' Unpublished manuscript, 1994.
Hints:
The readings are long and full of details about a large number of patterns. The following are suggestions for focus while reading the papers.
Read the excerpts from Alexander's book carefully. This reading sets the stage for the other two. Pay particular attention to his philosophies in the introduction.
In Mularz' reading pay particular attention to her description of the problem she is addressing, as well as the details of her solution strategy.
Kerth's reading is long because it contains many descriptions of patterns. Again focus on his motivations and philosophies. Study a few of the patterns in detail, such as patterns 1 and 2, and 9 through 20. Read over the other patterns for content.
Questions:
1) The excerpts from the book by Alexander, ``A Pattern Language,'' set the stage for the other two papers you have read by Mularz and Kerth (each of these authors claims to have been inspired by Alexander's philosophy).
According to Alexander, what is a pattern (and what characteristic of the solution model allows patterns to be adapted to preferences and local conditions of specific problems)?
What was Alexander's purpose for creating the pattern language?
2) The reading from Mularz entitled ``Pattern-based Integration Architectures'' focuses on a particular problem in engineering large software systems.
What is an integration pattern?
Define the two types of components found in any integration model.
3) The reading by Kerth entitled ``Caterpillar's Fate: A Pattern Language for Transformation from Analysis to Design'' describes a pattern language similar to Alexander's but for creating design solutions for software systems from fine analysis models.
What was Kerth's motivation for creating a pattern language?
Describe one way in which Kerth's patterns deviate from
Alexander's, and one way in which they are similar.Similarities: