Aspect-oriented modeling: Issues and misconceptions

Aspect-oriented programming is an extension to object-oriented programming. It introduces new constructs called "aspects" for representing crosscutting concerns in a system development. These constructs are somewhat similar to object-oriented "classes" but they also have some clear differences in terms of characteristics. This complicated nature of aspects makes their modeling a difficult task. While working on the modeling of new design techniques for aspect-oriented technology, we have come across some unresolved modeling issues and some misconceptions about the nature of aspects and their representation in software design. This paper highlights these misconceptions and outlines some important aspect-oriented modeling issues, such as the modular nature of aspects, their resemblance with classes, and their high coupling with the base program.