The Software Communication Architecture mandates the use of the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) in their descriptor files. These descriptor files have to adhere to a specific syntax as defined in the Document Type Description (DTD). Authoring and maintaining these files is a significant effort that requires a high level of expertise in the standard. Once authored, the files are difficult to read and reason about. Validation of the descriptor files requires tools that are domain specific — tailored to the rules and regulations specified in the standard.
Zeligsoft Software Communications Architecture Validation paper is a must read for Software Communication Architecture designers, developers, testers and program managers. A quick preview and excerpts from the SCA Validation Paper are listed below.
"The XML in the descriptor files is not easily human-readable or -writeable. The syntax is complex and contains a lot of cross-references, within and between descriptor files. These references are required as the descriptor files need to describe an entire system as an assembled collection of individual components. SCA based systems can be rather large in size, totalling often 10 to 60 thousand lines of XML code or more. Manually writing this XML is painful, expensive and error prone."
"Problems can be prevented and risk for the overall project can be reduced by validating the XML descriptor files. Validation prevents errors from spreading. It provides a solid understanding of the architecture of the software system."
"The XML Import process results in a visual model, which can assist users in improving their descriptor files. Once the model has been built, it can be used in the rest of the development process. Using a visual modeling tool increases the understanding of the entire development team and improves the efficiency and quality of the overall development process."
"Zeligsoft CE validates the syntax, completeness and connections of the XML descriptors for an SCA-compliant system. CE also provides a visual representation of the architecture. These features are important for any software project that builds SCA-compliant systems."
In short, combining the Zeligsoft's Software Communication Architecture Validation Practices along with Zeligsoft Component Enabler improves the quality of Software Communications Architecture software and reduces the integration time! Please download Zeligsoft SCA Validation Whitepaper from http://www.zeligsoft.com/.
For more information on SCA Validation White Paper or To Test Drive Zeligsoft CE please contact Trevor Rothwell at Zeligsoft. (info@zeligsoft.com) +1 819 684 9639 internationally, or +1 800 ZELIGSW in North America.
