ANALOGY SUPPORTS FOR SOFTWARE REUSE AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

摘要

Analogical reasoning is critical in problem solving and is fundamental in learning and cognitive development, because analogy is a key factor in hypothesis formation, explanation, and the definition of abstract concepts Many analogy theories have been proposed to solve the problem A:B::C:X. Given that A is related to B as C is related to some X, find that X. For example, car:engine::gear:tooth. Software reuse is similar to analogical reasoning in some respects. To reuse an existing solution for a new problem, we are essentially solving a problem like p(X):s(X)::p(Y):s(X'), where problems p(X) and p(Y) are identical or analogous, and solutions s(X) and s(X') are identical or similar. It may or may not be easy to identify the similarities and differences between p(X) and p(Y). Software reuse can also be at different levels, such as software architectures or at the code level. Knowledge management deals with the way of how to capture, organize, update, share, and use the knowledge. Knowledge management is closely coupled with analogy in that both areas discuss the transfer of knowledge from one problem (base) to another problem (target).