Summary: A Hybrid Model for Specifying Features and
Detecting Interactions
Saheem Siddiqi Joanne M. Atlee 1
Department of Computer Science
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
fs4siddiq,jmatleeg@se.uwaterloo.ca
Abstract
This paper presents a formal modeling and analysis technique for automatically de­
tecting interactions in feature specifications. The model is based on state­transition
machines annotated with logic assertions that express constraints on the behavior
of the system. Specifications are composed into a reachability graph, and the graph
is searched for feature interactions. The new model and analysis techniques are
evaluated with respect to the Feature Interaction Detection Contest benchmark.
Key words: feature interactions; composite specifications; reachability analysis.
1 Introduction
Modern software engineering techniques facilitate the development of feature­
rich applications. For example in incremental programming, one first imple­
ments the application's core functionality -- its basic service -- and adds new
functionality in small increments -- as features of the service. In separation of

Source: Atlee, Joanne M. - School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo

Collections: Computer Technologies and Information Sciences