Abstract: There is provided a method for generating a software module based upon elements from multiple software modules. The method includes the step of extracting a plurality of sets of elements from the multiple software modules based upon at least one extraction criterion. Any elements in the sets that violate at least one correctness and completeness criterion are identified. The violating elements are automatically brought into compliance with the at least one correctness and completeness criterion. A plurality of single software modules is generated, wherein each of the single software modules contains one of the sets of elements. The plurality of single software modules are composed to form a final, single software module.

Abstract: The data structures, apparatus, methods, and mechanisms of the present invention cooperate to provide the user with a flexible multiple inheritance OOP environment. OOP environments comprise composite data structures and internal mechanisms for manipulating those structures. The structures are used to allow a user to realize the power of OOP. Hence, the layout of these structures, the way in which the structures inter-relate, and the manner in which they are built and used are all critical to the utility of a particular OOP environment. It is no surprise, then, that manufacturers and suppliers of OOP environments are constantly striving to design composite data structures and internal mechanisms which maximize user productivity. The composite data structures and organization of the MOM OOP environment provide significant benefits that are not provided by the multiple inheritance environments of the prior art.