Here are a number of topics that can be considered, when comparing different approaches. Note that this list is by far not complete, and that you are encouraged to add other topics that you encounter when reading.

• Decomposition
  • on what basis is decomposition carried out?
  • what kind(s) of concerns are addressed?
  • is there a methodology to decide how to decompose?
• Composition
  • what is the level of granularity?
  • composition conflicts
    • are composition conflicts possible (on different levels:between concerns and components, between different concerns)?
    • is there some way of checking for conflicts, or is correctness achieved through the structure, or...?
  • is composition dynamic or static?
  • is there composition of source code or byte code?
• Analysis / design / implementation?
• Foreseen or unforeseen reuse or adaptation?
• What are the main restrictions?
• What are the main research topics?