Function-class decomposition: A hybrid software engineering method

In addition to offering a simple yet powerful method for decomposing a syst em, function-class decomposition (FCD) produces an architecture that is mor e supportive than traditional object-oriented decomposition for several sof tware engineering tasks. A hybrid method that integrates structured analysi s with an OO approach, FCD identifies classes in parallel with decomposing the system into a hierarchy of functional modules. Recently, developers extended FCD to integrate UML concepts. Useful for par titioning a system for distribution, the FCD hierarchy provides a framework for controlling development in a distributed software engineering environm ent. It also helps identify and integrate components in component-based dev elopment and supports the system life-cycle maintenance phase. Further, FCD addresses many of the initial analysis and design problems inherent in lar ge and complex OO systems. The authors' experience with testing FCD on several applications validates its compatibility with OO methodologies and modeling techniques. In additio n to supporting the decomposition process itself, the resulting FCD archite cture and related artifacts support maintenance of the system in the face o f changing requirements.