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From: esink@turia.dit.upm.es (Eric Wayne Sink)
Newsgroups: comp.object
Subject: Definition of 'reuse' (was Re: a real long title)
Keywords: reuse
Message-ID: <1991Jun14.103725.2765@dit.upm.es>
Date: 14 Jun 91 10:37:25 GMT
References: <676362409.27@egsgate.FidoNet.Org> <1991Jun11.062703.15671@netcom.COM>
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Reply-To: esink@turia.dit.upm.es (Eric Wayne Sink)
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In comp.lang.ada, Jim Showalter contributes to a discussion on
software reuse :

>My definition of reuse is quite simple: any time you didn't have to write
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>a line of code, you reused it. This may not be the definition of reuse
>people envision when they use the term "reuse", but in the end all that
>truly matters is the COST--a line saved is a line earned. If you treat the
>entire software development process like a black box, then from the outside
>of the box it matters little why the box is more efficient than other
>software development boxes--all that truly matters is that it IS more
>efficient. If the box is more efficient because of "mere" software
>enhancement instead of "pure" reuse, so be it. It degenerates (like so
>many things) into an argument over semantics.
>
[sig deleted]

Anyone like to contribute their definition of 'software reuse' ?

Jim once again exposes his bias by the mere fact that his posting
appeared in an ada newsgroup.  I admit that I expose my own bias
by placing the discussion in comp.object.  Anyone feeling that
a wider discussion involving our friends from comp.software-eng
is encouraged to invite their participation.

I'll assume in advance that if this has already been discussed to
death, then any resulting discussion will be very short.
(or perhaps Piercarlo has a radical opinion which is different
from Ralph's ?? :-)  Sorry- couldn't resist that one, I've just
reread the whole Emperor's new clothes discussion - a comp.object
classic IMHO !)



Eric W. Sink                     | "If no one is criticizing |Opinions
Departamento de Telematica       | your work, it is possible |mine -
Universidad Politecnica de Madrid| that you are not doing    |all of
esink@turia.dit.upm.es           | anything." -George Verwer |them.