Role modelling for component design

Components are collections of co-operating entities (C. Pfister and C. Szyperski, 1996). New abstractions and techniques are required for component engineering so that proper emphasis can be placed on interaction, co-operation, and collaboration. The authors present an approach to component design that is based on role modelling. We propose role modelling for component design because of its excellent support for many of the criteria, rules, and principles that form the basis of modularity. As role models can be employed for analysis design and implementation, they also provide a direct mapping to applications that can be traceable throughout a component´s lifecycle.