What are the levels of software reuse, and what do they imply?
A. Systematic reuse
B. Opportunistic reuse
C. No reuse
D. Application product lines
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Systematic reuse and B. Opportunistic reuse.
Explanation:
- Systematic Reuse: This approach involves deliberate planning and a structured methodology to reuse software components. The goal is to create a repository of reusable software components, tools, or libraries that can be applied across different projects. Organizations that adopt systematic reuse ensure that reusable components are standardized, documented, and easily accessible for use in future development projects. This method offers high efficiency and consistency in software development, as it reduces duplication of effort and accelerates the development process. It also helps in reducing the likelihood of errors since well-tested components are reused.
- Opportunistic Reuse: This type of reuse happens on an as-needed basis, where developers reuse software components whenever the opportunity arises, but without a formalized plan. It is often more ad hoc and less organized compared to systematic reuse. Developers may reuse code or libraries that are available but may not follow any specific set of standards or guidelines. While opportunistic reuse can be quick and flexible, it may lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in the long term if not managed properly.
- No Reuse: As the name suggests, this level refers to scenarios where software components or code are not reused at all. Each development project is built from scratch, with no attempt to take advantage of previously created components. While this may offer the flexibility to tailor solutions precisely to a project’s needs, it is often inefficient and time-consuming. Developers might also face challenges in terms of quality, as they need to test every component from the ground up.
- Application Product Lines: This level involves the creation of a family of related software products using a common set of components. It’s a more advanced approach to reuse, where a core set of components can be adapted or extended to create multiple related applications. This approach is particularly effective for large organizations that produce similar products, as it enables a significant reduction in development time and cost while maintaining high product quality.
In summary, systematic and opportunistic reuse both focus on leveraging existing software components, with systematic reuse being more structured and deliberate. “No reuse” and “application product lines” highlight opposite ends of the spectrum: one is inefficient, while the other allows for the creation of a range of products with a unified code base.