A join point for loops in AspectJ

The current AspectJ join points represent locations in the code that are at the interface of the Java objects. However, not all the “things that happen”1 happen at the interfaces. In particular, loops are a key place that could be advised for parallelisation. Although parallelisation via aspects can be performed in certain cases by refactoring the Java code, it is not always possible or desirable. This article presents a model of loop join point, which allows AspectJ to intervene directly in loops. The approach used for recognising loops is based on a control-flow analysis at the bytecode level; this avoids ambiguities due to alternative forms of source-code that would effectively produce identical loops. This model is also embellished with a mechanism for context exposure, which is pivotal for giving a meaning to the use of this join point. This context exposure is particularly useful for writing pointcuts that select specific loops only, and the problem of loop selection is a...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: AOSD
• Authors: Bruno Harbulot, John R. Gurd
• Keywords: AOSD 2006, AspectJ Join Points, Join Point, Loop Join Point, Software Engineering