Challenges for a Formal Framework for Patterns

Abstract

To arrive at such a common framework we propose to leverage the existing work on design patterns, which are specified as predicates on the static and dynamic models of software systems. By reviewing the techniques for reasoning about design patterns, and what these techniques can achieve, we can propose a suitable way of structuring all patterns. This method of structuring is also informed by a detailed comparison between the headings used to structure each of design, attack and security patterns. The difficulties in producing a common framework for all types of pattern are also briefly considered, before a suitable method of structuring patterns is described in detail as a conclusion.