1. A computing system for storing and retrieving metadata in a container for common access tool data in an object oriented programming environment, having a hierarchical structure, comprising: means for storing computer readable data and computer code; a first code section of said computer code comprising a plurality of simple constructed types that contain subparts and encapsulated behaviour; a second code section of said computer code comprising a plurality of components that contain properties of a target language; a third code section of said computer code comprising a plurality of composed parts that permit partitioning for distribution; and means for processing said first, second and third code sections stored in said storage means, enabling a plurality of computer implemented design tools to share a representation of a design, implementation and distribution of an application, wherein said data is organized in said storage means for direct manipulation by design tools.