An Ontology Based Representation of Software Design Patterns

Abstract

This chapter introduces an approach to define Design patterns using semantic Web technologies. For this purpose, a vocabulary based on the Web ontology language OWL is developed. Design patterns can be defined as RDF documents instantiating this vocabulary, and can be published as resources on standard Web servers. This facilitates the use of patterns as knowledge artefacts shared by the software engineering community. The instantiation of patterns in programs is discussed, and the design of a tool is presented that can x-ray programs for pattern instances based on their formal definitions.