Best Practices: A Pragmatic Approach To Software Reuse

Development leaders have looked for ways to increase reuse since the early days of software development in an effort to increase developer productivity. This drive for reuse has brought changes in languages, structure, programming models, processes, and tools. Software reuse is not just about code but other artifacts as well, including models, design patterns, use cases, and business processes. To increase your chances of achieving useful reuse, follow these four best practices: 1) get support from business leaders; 2) establish tools and processes needed for reuse; 3) design for reuse; and 4) build a reuse culture. These best practices are less about technology and more about the practices, processes, and governance that drive increased reuse.