A Discrete Event Simulation Model for the Analysis of Software Quality Attributes

Abstract

A discrete event simulation model for evaluating quality attributes, employing the software architecture, is proposed in this work. A metamodel of the software architecture domain that includes the concepts required for measuring quality attributes at runtime is specified. So, a simulation model is built from it, following the principles of hierarchy and modularity, assembling simple blocks to obtain complex blocks. DEVS framework is applied to obtain a decoupled model from the simulator, and the DEVS formalism is used to specify the elements of the simulation model. The objective of this approach is to provide information about the quality attributes that can be measured at runtime, introducing the discrete event simulation in the context of the software architecture design. This quantitative information will assist the architect to make decisions about the design of the system.