Case-based retrieval of software components

A major problem concerning the reusability of software is the retrieval of software components. Different approaches have been followed to solve this problem. In this paper we present the Reuse Assistant, a hybrid approach to support the retrieval of software components from a library of object classes. The Reuse Assistant consists of two subsystems that follow two different approaches: information retrieval techniques based on statistical methods, and knowledge-based techniques using some of the representation and indexing mechanisms found in case-based systems. The Information Retrieval approach grants system extendibility, and permits the use of a natural language interface. The Case-Based approach enables reasoning about concepts, allowing the retrieval of “approximate” components. Both subsystems can be operated from a common interface, where free-text and form filling queries can be posed.