"The problem with the component based method for the development of fine grain computational codes, is that the articulation of the method's constructs renders code accepted as too slow for the computational computing domain. StGermain aims to enable the component based method to computational modellers by augmenting the component based method with the aspect oriented method, to provide an efficient, real-time environment for model and algorithmic experimentation."

Introduction

The StGermain project aims to provision the development of computational codes through building blocks of mathematical and physics concepts. The software framework itself, StGermain, provides the software environment for this paradigm of development to occur. From this several vertical applications of technology layers exist, developed collaboratively, to create distinct and revolutionary model development environments.

Implements the following programming features in C, with the aim of being fast at run-time...

  • Object orientation (single inheritance & polymorphism)
  • Dynamic/no typing (typed-extensions to an instantiated or non-instantiated type)
  • Inverse scripting (extensive "entry-point" system)
  • Light-weight component architecture (ORB for components of fixed services (life-phases) - an interface pattern)
  • Component composition language (XML schema for describing an application through the composition and parameterisation of these light-weight components)
  • Dynamics memory reference naming (of basic and complex types)

In essence, StGermain allows the composition a problem of cross-cutting concerns by means of an XML language. Specifically, it attempts to address the common problem of when an object that has behaviours that require/assume extra state on another object, and when an object's presence in a system wishes to amend the behaviour of another object. These features help to allow the clear separation of concerns of the mathematical and physical concepts that make a computational code, whilst still remaining computationally efficient. As a consequence StGermain nurtures healthy framework development of computational problem domains. It was originally created by Steve Quenette as part of his research interests, but has now had many contributions by various projects' members.