Method, system, and product for upgrading software objects using inherency

Techniques for identifying "relevant" objects for upgrading a repository of objects in a computer system. The relevant objects to be used for upgrading may include any combination of (1) "corresponding" objects in a prior and a new standard repository, (2) "ancestor" objects in the prior and new standard repositories, and (3) ancestor objects in a prior custom repository. A corresponding object typically has the same name as, and an ancestor object is referenced by, the object to be upgraded. In one scheme, objects in the prior custom repository are upgraded based on (1) their corresponding objects, if these exist, and (2) their ancestors in the prior and new standard repositories, otherwise. In another scheme, the objects are additionally upgraded based on their ancestors in the new standard repository. In yet another scheme, the objects are further upgraded based on their ancestors in the prior custom repository.