Reusability and Class Libraries in C++

Abstract

A class is a concept in object-oriented programming that describes the fundamental characteristics of an object. A class library is a collection of classes organised specifically for retrieval and reuse in software development. In this report, we explore a number of issues relating to code reusability in class libraries developed with the C++ programming language. We begin by examining the nature of software reuse and the influences of object-orientation on reusability. Various techniques have been employed for the design and implementation of reusable software within class libraries. These techniques rely on specific mechanisms of the programming language that are fundamental to code reuse. We analyse some of these techniques and the mechanisms that underly them in order to assess their significance for reusability. Finally, we identify and address some of the problems and issues relating to the use of the C++ language for developing reusable class libraries.