Software developers and researchers have long observed that certain themes recur and endure across different applications and different domains. In 1993 this emerging interest in software patterns and pattern languages resulted in an effort to document and communicate these themes and to provide handbooks of proven solutions to common problems. Thus, the PLoP (Pattern Languages of Programs) conference came into existence - a conference that is now entering its 25th year with PLoP 2018.

PLoP brings together practitioners and researchers whose interests span a broad range of topics, who share an interest in exploring the power of the pattern form. While we began with only considering patterns of software, the conference has grown beyond its roots to include many other areas of pattern applicability, both inside and outside of software development. PLoP invites you to add your expertise to the growing body of patterns. At PLoP, we focus on improving the written expression of patterns through writers's workshops. You will have opportunities to refine and extend your patterns with the assistance of knowledgeable and sympathetic patterns enthusiasts and to work with others to develop pattern languages.

Topics and Paper Submission Guidelines

There are many suitable topics for patterns. They might describe configurations of hardware and software, or they may even be concerned with the organizational and educational aspects of how people collaborate, both in writing software and in other endeavors. Patterns may, for instance, discuss common themes found in a particular business domain, software development style, educational approach, or programming language – the potential range of topics is endless.

The conference solicits papers written in pattern form and papers that discuss the application or aspects of the form or experiences using patterns. Papers in any topic, if provided in pattern form, will be considered for review. We are particularly looking for papers on the Spotlight Topics below, but papers do not have to fall within one of these topics to be accepted for review. Submissions should fall into one of the following categories:

Pattern Papers

These are short papers (6–10 pages) containing one or more patterns. Longer papers containing pattern languages or sequences as well as work-in-progress papers will be considered. All accepted papers receive in-depth shepherding by an experienced pattern author before the conference. Long papers might have only a portion shepherded and workshopped. Papers may receive further shepherding at the conference.

Papers on Applying Patterns

The focus of these papers should be either on applying patterns to industrial projects, education, and organizations, or on systematizing the application of patterns. They should stimulate discussion on how better to disseminate patterns in higher education, training, and practice.

Essay or Classical technical Papers

Some pattern papers don’t fit the traditional patterns form. Papers in this category can be essays, classical technical papers, or articles. In particular, we encourage the submission of:

• Scientific studies on patterns and pattern applications
• Papers that present theoretical arguments about patterns
• Empirical evaluations of patterns and pattern languages

Focus Group Proposals

Focus groups are free-format discussion groups or workshops lasting approximately three hours. Focus groups bring together people interested in a challenging (hot) topic related to patterns. Non- conventional ideas such as goldfish bowls and renga circles are welcome.

Pattern Workshops

Half-day workshops. In addition to the Focus Groups, PLoP invites ideas for half-day workshops on a (hot) topic with a pattern focus.

Submission Procedure

The core of PLoP is the Writers' Workshop, where authors work together to improve their papers. Before papers are accepted for a Writers' Workshop, they are shepherded. Shepherding is an iterative process, where an experienced author discusses the submission with its authors to refine the paper prior to the conference. All submissions are peer-reviewed after shepherding.

Following shepherding, papers may be accepted directly into a Writers' Workshop or alternatively, into a Writing Group. Writing Group papers will receive additional face-to-face shepherding at the conference. Writing Group papers reaching a required standard will be considered for workshop review on the final day of the conference.

PLoP proceedings are published after the conference through the ACM Digital Library. Papers discussed at a Writers’ Workshop at PLoP qualify for submission to the journal Transactions on Pattern Languages of Programming published by Springer.

There is a three-stage submission process for the conference:
• Initial submissions are assessed for suitability. Papers judged suitable are assigned a shepherd who will help its authors improve the paper.
• Authors are expected to submit a second draft part way through the shepherding process. After shepherding, each paper will be assessed for quality and its authors’ willingness to accept feedback. This review will determine whether a paper is accepted to the conference for review within a Writer’s Workshop, or if your paper may be referred to a Writing Group.
• Authors and shepherds are expected to continue revising their paper until the final drafts are due. To submit your paper, please visit the PLoP submission page. At least one of the authors of each accepted paper must register for the conference before the close of early-bird registration. Failure to do so may result in acceptance being withdrawn.

Submission will be handled electronically. See the conference's web page for more details.

Spotlight Topics

In the past, one of the most rewarding parts of PLoP has been in fostering cooperation among domain experts by looking for paper submissions on special "Spotlight topics” where we have seen interest in collaboration among different groups.
This approach has previously resulted in major results in the areas of programming framework patterns (such as Java Spring), Integration patterns (resulting in the book Enterprise Integration Patterns) and Web Services Patterns. Ovr time we have found the strongest pattern languages that have emerged are those that are formed from the combined experience of several experts in a field.

As a result, this year we are specifically looking for papers on the following Spotlight Topics If you are interested in submitting a paper in any of these areas, continue to check the conference web site Spotlight Topic Page for more information on collaborating with other authors in these areas.

• Security Patterns – especially security of the Internet of Things
• Patterns of Agile Method application
• Microservices and Cloud-Native design Patterns

Members of the Spotlight Topic groups are encouraged to read and comment on the papers for the topic prior to the conference, thus making it possible to more substantively improve the papers during the conference.

Important Dates

◾ Paper Submissions, Workshop and Focus Proposals Due - June 1, 2018
◾ Shepherding Begins - June 8, 2018
◾ Shepherd Recommendations due - July 27, 2018
◾ Notification of Acceptance - August 10, 2018
◾ Final Conference Copy Due - September 21, 2018
◾ Registration Due - To be announced
◾ Conference Starts - October 23, 2018

Conference

PLoP will be held in Portland, Oregon, in conjunction with the PUARL Conference. The PLoP conference starts on the evening of Tuesday, October 23, with the traditional games and dinner and it will conclude on Friday afternoon, October 26th.

In addition to writers' workshops, the conference will also offer discussions of patterns in other forums. Extra sessions during the day will focus on practical issues of interest to the patterns community. One evening plenary session will focus on a large-scale topic of interest to the community. Open time in the afternoons and evenings will offer attendees the opportunity to organize informal birds-of-a-feather sessions. Every effort will be made to provide an informal and creative atmosphere for the entire conference. The organizers are open to out-of-the-ordinary proposals as long as they, like patterns, celebrate the elusive quality called good design.