Modeling Dynamic Collections of Interdependent Objects Using Path-Based Rules

Abstract

Standard object-oriented languages do not provide language support for modeling changing collections of interdependent objects. We propose that R++, an integration of the rule and objectoriented paradigms, provides a mechanism for easily implementing such models. R++ extends C++ by adding a new programming construct called the path-based rule. Such data-driven rules are restricted to follow pointers between objects, and are like "automatic methods" that are triggered by changes to monitored objects. Path-based rules encourage a more abstract level of programming, and unlike previous rule integrations, are not at odds with the object-oriented paradigm and offer performance advantages for natural applications. 1 Introduction Object-oriented languages have simplified the design and implementation of sophisticated applications. However, as application domains have become increasingly dynamic and complex, it has become necessary to model such domains using changing collections of interdep...