Free Function Stereotypes

A free function is a function that is not bound to a particular class. Static methods/functions as well as friend functions (C++) are also considered as free functions.

Type	Description
predicate	Returns a bool derived from the parameters
property	Returns a non-bool derived from the parameters
global-command	Changes a global or a static variable
command	Changes a parameter passed by reference
factory	Creates and returns a new locally created object
main	A main function
literal	Does not read or change parameters
wrapper	Does not change parameters. Has at least one call to other class methods or to a free function
empty	Has no statements

TABLE 1. Taxonomy of Free Function Stereotypes.