Considerations

We found that the characteristics we must pay attention to in terms of factors which affect component reusability may vary depending on the software size, execution environment, development methods, and machine type. Consequently, guidelines for better reuse design should be established for each of these circumstances. We are however able to point out some disciplines, for example, where there is a big gap between two frequency categories in terms of functionality, reliability, usability and efficiency.

Accuracy, connectivity and understandability are thought to be factors independent of reusable component circumstances. On the other hand, characteristics which are thought to be inmportant vary largely from one domain to another. For example, understandability is thought to be important in the downsizing systems domain, while it is not in the embedded or communication systems domain. This example shows that further studies must be undertaken for defining disciplines which can be commonly used across domains.