Title:  Attracting Reuse

Authors:
Brian Foote
Joseph Yoder

Contact person:
Joseph Yoder

Postal Address:
Department of Computer Science
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
1304 W. Springfield
Urbana, IL  61801  USA


Email and Phone:
foote@cs.uiuc.edu  (217) 333-3411
yoder@cs.uiuc.edu  (217) 244-4695



Abstract
This paper takes a code's eye view of software reuse and evolution.  It
addresses the question of what an object might do to encourage programmers
to (re-)use it, as opposed to using some other object, or building new ones.
THE SELFISH CLASS shows how focusing on code, rather than systems, processes,
or personnel, can lead to fresh insights into software evolution and the
forces that drive it.  The remaining patterns focus on more specific problems
that evolving artifacts might confront.  A software artifact that WORKS OUT
OF THE BOX is more likely to appeal to programmers than one that does not
provide such a positive first impression.  An artifacts that present a LOW
SURFACE-TO-VOLUME RATIO is easier to understand, and provide greater leverage
than an artifact that presents a broader cross-section. GENTLE LEARNING CURVE
admonishes designers to build artifacts that reveal their complexity and power
gradually.  PROGRAMMING-BY-DIFFERENCE shows how code can evolve without
jeopardizing its identity.  FIRST ONE'S FREE and WINNING TEAM contrast two
strategies an artifact may employ to solve the problem of finding a broad 
audience.