Pattern-Oriented Software Architecture Volume 3: Patterns for Resource Management

5 Guidelines for Applying Resource Management

“See first that the design is wise and just: that ascertained, pursue it resolutely; do not for one repulse forego the purpose that you resolved to effect.”

William Shakespeare

The resource management pattern language presented in this book addresses domain-independent non-functional requirements of software systems. The pattern language can be applied to almost any domain and can be very effective in resolving resource management problems in that domain. Yet every domain has its own specific and recurring set of problems and forces that most applications of that domain need to resolve. Identifying a set of problems and forces that need to be addressed for an application is typically done during the application's design. While several solutions for a particular problem may be possible, finding a solution that also promotes effective resource management can require extra effort. This is where the resource management pattern language described in this book can prove most useful.

To best apply the resource management pattern language in a particular domain and for a specific application, follow these steps:

1. Identify key components. One of the most important steps in applying resource management effectively is to first identify the key components of the system. The key components of a system are those that consume the most expensive resources or the greatest number of resources. A resource can be expensive if it is rare, or if it is costly ...