Interface design is essential to Code Resuse

Interface designs should first be created outside of a technology context in a text or graphical format. Starting a design with a technology constraint can lead to chaos especially for entry-level interface developers. Designs need to be thought through from the source message definition to the destination message definition.

In some shops, interface developers have the luxury of an interface analyst who works with the business to develop requirements that the developer can use to create the technical specifications. If they are not so lucky then they will have to develop the business requirements first distilling the knowledge from the subject matter experts. This can be a daunting task but it is essential to the success of the interface. Technical specifications need to be complete enough to code from but not reference any one particular technology. Mapping of the specifications to a technology like Rhapsody is the last step in the process.