Abstract: A computer implemented system and method for automatically generating an executable version is based on component objects and events. Object-oriented language concepts of encapsulation, inheritance, and message passing are employed to simplify the specification and execution steps. Software maintenance includes the steps of assembling executable systems from defined component parts such as source code files and object code files. An object definition is provided for each software component containing a specification of its dependency upon other objects and processing methods that must be executed to create that object. An event definition is created for each process that is to be applied to the component objects. The event definition includes a specification of any prerequisite events and conditions for delivery of the event message. An object dependency interpreter is provided to recursively control the passing of events to the objects for action.