On the notion of variability in software product lines

In this paper we discuss the notion of variability. We have experienced that this concept has so far been under-defined. Although, we have observed that variability techniques become increasingly important. A clear indication of this trend is the recent emergence of software product lines. Software product lines are large, industrial software systems intended to specialize into specific software products. Our contribution in this paper is that ive provide the reader with a framework of terminology and concepts regarding variability . In addition, we present three recurring patterns of variability. Finally, we suggest a method for managing variability in software product lines.