Abstract: An aspect oriented system for implementing system monitoring and tracing is provided in which the monitoring and tracing functionality needs not be coded into the resources being monitored or traced. Rather, an aspect is provided which encapsulates the monitoring/tracing behavior. This behavior may easily and transparently be forced onto the resource by compiling the object class for the resource along with the monitoring/tracing aspect. When the monitoring/tracing is no longer needed, it is removed simply by recompiling the resource object classes without the aspect.

Abstract: The concept of a general purpose aspect is introduced where an aspect transparently forces cross-cutting behavior on object classes and other software entities. A reusable aspect is further described for use as part of an aspect library.

Abstract: An aspect oriented system for implementing the Design by Contract software development methodology is provided in which preconditions and postconditions defining the contract need not be coded into the program modules being developed. Rather, an aspect is provided which encapsulates these preconditions and postconditions. This behavior may easily and transparently be forced onto the resource by compiling the object class for the program module along with the contract aspect. When the software program in which the program modules is used is no longer needed, the preconditions and postconditions are removed simply by recompiling the resource object classes without the aspect.