A Close Look at Composition Languages

Abstract A large number of different composition systems and techniques have been developed over the last years. To compare their relative benefits and drawbacks, we need a common vocabulary for describing elements of composition systems. This paper contributes to the search for such a vocabulary by taking a closer look at the structure of composition languages—that is, languages used for describing compositions—based on a survey of eight different composition systems. Categories and Subject Descriptors A.1 [Introductory and Survey]; D.2.11 [Software Architectures]: Languages, Patterns General Terms Design, Theory Keywords Elements of Composition Systems, Composition Languages, Terminolog