A language and framework for supporting an active approach to component-based software integration

The IRules project at Arizona State University applies active rule technology to the integration of distributed, black-box software components. The goal of IRules is to provide an environment in which an application is developed through the integration of software components using active rules that are known as integration rules. Using the IRules Component Definition Language (CDL), the application integrator first describes a purchased, black-box component within the IRules environment to allow access to the properties and methods defined by the purchased component. In addition, CDL allows for the definition of named extents, stored and derived attributes, externalized relationships and events to enhance the features of the purchased components to support application development. After defining the desired interface for the component, the application integrator then develops the application using active integration rules that define the interaction of the components in response to events. This paper presents the Component Definition Language and its resulting framework that supports the IRules active approach to component-based software integration.