Software development environment based on HyperNet

Abstract

In supporting groups working on development of large software programs we identify three classes of tools:1. CASE tools: tools which are used directly in the program development (specification, design, implementation, and testing).2. environment tools: tools which together are and effect the development environment, i.e. tools used in organizing and maintaining development information (program specifications, designs, code, test cases, etc.) which may be distributed world-wide.3. groupware tools: tools which are used to effect group communication and interaction, i.e. tools used for submission, organization and distribution of ideas and any issues related to the development and management process.In this paper we will address the second class of tools, the environment tools, and present an environment largely based on HyperNet - A tool to choreograph world wide distributed hypermedia documents. The environment incorporates three main functionalities:1. A project knowledge base and associated processor. The knowledge base stores all material relevant to a project, i.e. specification, design, implementation, testing and maintenance related documents and source code for the project including operating system scripts required to compile, link, execute and test the software.2. mechanism supporting libraries of reusable material. The material includes program specifications, design documents, code and test data and procedures.3. documentation processor which produces on-demand documentation for the project on any desirable level of detail.