A framework for Visualizing Object-Oriented Systems

This paper describes a new approach to visualizing program systems within the object-oriented paradigm. This approach is based on a TEX-like notation which has been extended and generalized for specifying graphical layout of arbitrary objects. The CLOS meta-level architecture is used to associate visualization and application objects. We propose several useful techniques such as indirect values, slot and method demons, and instance-specific meta-objects. Our techniques require no modifications to the systems which are selected for visualization. We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach using application domains such as CLOS debugging and constraint systems.