1. In a computer system that is capable of creating program elements in system memory and executing program element behaviors in system memory, a method for testing a program element or program element behavior for adherence to a software development rule, the method comprising the following: an act of receiving a rule assembly containing the software development rule; an act of receiving a target assembly containing at least one program element or at least one program element behavior; an act of identifying a program element or program element behavior from the target assembly that is to be checked for adherence to the software development rule contained in the rule assembly; and an act of applying the software development rule to the identified program element or the identified program element behavior to check the identified program element or the identified program element behavior for adherence to the software development rule.