Semi-formal, not semi-realistic: a component description manager

A new semi-formal method for describing and retrieving components has been devised, implemented and validated through the development of a component description manager. A new classification framework which allows component providers to describe components in a semi-formal but consistent way is proposed. The component descriptions are stored in a repository, and component consumers can use the same framework to define their requirements when searching for components. The framework is semi-formal and focuses on ease of use for the component providers and consumers. It aims to provide a level of accuracy and consistency close to that achieved by formal methods, without the same level of complexity.