Component Based Programming in Scientific Computing: The Viable Approach

Computational scientists are facing a new era where the old ways of developing and reusing code have to be left behind and a few daring steps are to be made towards new horizons. The present work analyzes the needs that drive this change, the factors that contribute to the inertia of the community and slow the transition, the status and perspective of present attempts, the principle, practical and technical problems that are to be addressed in the short and long run.