Classifying Software Design Methods

A few mature and popular methods are currently being used to specify and design real-time embedded systems software, and these methods are the basis for a large number of tools automating the process. Unfortunately, some of the tools support only parts of a method, while others support a mixture of different methods. Because of the large number of tools involved, companies selecting tools for their particular needs are faced with a significant problem. As a result, the choice of tools often depends on the best salesperson rather than on the most appropriate method, leading to disappointment on the part of end users of the tools. The Software Engineering Institute has had a project underway for some time that provides a basis for selecting methods and tools. This paper describes some of the results of this effort with respect to classifying design methods for ADA-based software.