Icon-Based Software Component Access Using a Structural Model Based on Partially Ordered Sets

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has identified the need for representation, indexing, storage, and retrieval of reusable software components. To address this need, American Research Corporation of Virginia proposes the development of an icon-based software component access system using a model based on the theory of partially ordered sets. Project objectives include development of a model of software structure based on partially ordered sets, development of a software database management system based on the proposed model, integration of the system with an interactive, graphical user interface, and evaluation of the system. The effort proposed will demonstrate a proof-of-concept system for representation, indexing, storage, and retrieval of reusable software source components. The results anticipated include development of a user-friendly software librarian system that is relatively simple to implement. Expected NASA applications and benefits include simple and uniform access to reusable software developed throughout NASA and substantial savings in software development time and cost.