Object oriented framework mechanism for multi-target source code processing

The present invention relates in general to the data processing field. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of Object Oriented framework mechanisms. An object oriented framework for source code processing provides an infrastructure that embodies the steps necessary to process source code and a mechanism to extend the framework to fit a particular scenario for processing source code. Certain core functions are provided by the framework, which interact with extensible functions provided by the framework user. The architecture of the framework allows a developer to select the native processing tool of their choice, and provides an infrastructure for using that processing tool with other platforms (e.g., targets, etc.) The extensible functions allow the processing tools of a new platform to be easily incorporated into the framework. The framework thus allows a programming environment with development on multiple platforms that targets multiple platforms, which may be easily customized to include new platforms and new processing tools.