Patent ID: 6442750
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
In a computer system having a processor, memory, and an aspect-oriented operating environment that supports an aspect which implements concerns that cross-cut an overall functionality of a first software entity, the first software entity being callable by a second software entity, the first software entity comprising one or more of a program body and an object class, the aspect operating by transparently forcing its behavior on the first software entity, a contract comprising:an aspect that defines cross-cutting functionality that defines one or more of a precondition and a postcondition associated with a first software entity, wherein: 1) a precondition defines a condition that the second software entity must satisfy when calling the first software entity; 2) a postcondition defines a condition that the first software entity will satisfy when called by the second software entity; and 3) the aspect transparently forces its behavior on the first software entity, the aspect comprising: i) functionality that detects satisfaction and violation of the condition; and ii) functionality that provides a notification that the condition has been satisfied or violated.