Patterns capture the essence of successful solutions to problems that arise when building software systems. A pattern describes a family of solutions to recurring problems. Patterns form a language when woven together to provide a sequence or a process for the orderly resolution of problems. Such pattern languages guide analysts, designers, and programmers to produce workable software that solves common organizational and development problems.
Mature engineering disciplines draw from a collective vocabulary of successful solutions to known architectural problems. Automobile designers don't design cars using the laws of physics, they adapt adequate solutions from among those known to work well enough. The extra few percent of performance available by starting from scratch typically isn't worth the cost.
Patterns can form the basis for such a shared architectural consensus. If software is to become an engineering discipline, successful practices must be systematically documented and widely disseminated. Once expressed in pattern form, solutions may be recast in new contexts to facilitate the widespread reuse of (micro-)architecture, detailed designs, algorithms, implementations, and organization structures.
Patterns are important tools for documenting successful practices and improving software quality by addressing fundamental challenges in software system development. Challenges addressed by design patterns include communication of architectural knowledge among developers; accommodating a new design paradigm or architectural style; resolving non-functional forces such as reusability, portability, and extensibility; and avoiding development traps and pitfalls that have traditionally been learned only by experience.
PLoP invites you to add your expertise to the growing corpus of patterns. PLoP's focus is improving the expression of patterns. You will have the opportunity to refine and extend your patterns with help from knowledgeable and supportive fellow pattern enthusiasts.
In addition to intensive pattern review sessions, participants at the conference will have many opportunities to discuss other aspects of writing, teaching, and applying patterns. Every effort will be made to provide an informal and creative atmosphere. The committee is open to out-of-the-ordinary submissions (write first) so long as they, like patterns, celebrate that elusive quality called "good design."
The PLoP conference will focus on concrete patterns and pattern languages spanning a range of topics, including (but not limited to) the following:
We will make a particular effort at PLoP '96 to begin to better integrate the patterns that have emerged over the last two years at PLoP, and elsewhere. Submissions that refine, extend, connect, and integrate this body of work are encouraged. We hope as well to encourage collaboration among people that share common architectural interests.
Based on experience and feedback from PLoP attendees during the past two years, the PLoP writer's workshop format has been remarkably effective for both authors and workshop participants. This year, we plan to supplement the workshops with other activities such as:
Papers must not be published or under consideration elsewhere in the same or similar form. Obtain guidelines for authors or assistance in electronic submission from the conference or program chair.
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Last modified 11:34:42 CDT 28 September 2006