A Mixed Method Approach for Efficient Component Retrieval from a Component Repository

A continuing challenge for software designers is to develop efficient and cost-effective software implementations. Many see software reuse as a potential solution; however, the cost of reuse tends to outweigh the potential benefits. The costs of software reuse include establishing and maintaining a library of reusable components, searching for applicable components to be reused in a design, as well as adapting components toward a proper implementation. In this context, a new method is suggested here for component classification and retrieval which consists of K-nearest Neighbor (KNN) algorithm and Vector space Model Approach. We found that this new approach gives a higher accuracy and precision in component selection and retrieval process compared to the existing formal approaches.