Implementing code-level product lines by utilizing generic variability services

Abstract

We present a tool that supports the derivation of several products from a single Java/C++ code base by associating source code elements of different kind with user-selectable features. The tool allows feature selection to be made at various times: development, compilation, installation and even runtime, thus lifting a major source of inflexibility at the design of software product lines. Essential product line capabilities such as variability and feature management are implemented as a set of REST-based services running on an IBM Jazz server. This architecture streamlines the introduction of product line extensions to existing software lifecycle tools.