Lehman, Meir M. and Ramil, Juan F.
(2003).
Software evolution: background, theory and practice.
Information Processing Letters, 88(1-2),
pp. 33–44.
Abstract
This paper opens with a brief summary of some 30 years of study of the software evolution phenomenon. The results of those studies include the SPE program classification, a principle of software uncertainty and laws of E-type software evolution. The laws were termed so because they encapsulate phenomena largely independent of the people, the organisations and the domains involved in the evolution of the E-type systems studied. Recent studies have refined earlier conclusions, yielded practical guidelines for software evolution management and provide a basis for the formation of a theory of software evolution. Given the volume of published material and the extent of recent discussions on the topic (see, e.g., [Proc. ICSM, Montreal, 2002, p. 66]), this paper is restricted to an overview that exposes the significance of the evolution phenomenon and its study to the wider community, providing a basis for the future and, in particular, development of a theory of software evolution.
| Item Type: |
Journal Article
|
| ISSN: |
0020-0190 |
| Keywords: |
Software engineering; Software design and implementation; Safety/security in digital systems; Software evolution; Theory of software evolution; Laws of software evolution; Software uncertainty principle; Software process; Best practice; Assumptions; Maintenance |
| Academic Unit/Department: |
Mathematics, Computing and Technology > Computing |
| Interdisciplinary Research Centre: |
Centre for Research in Computing (CRC) |
| Item ID: |
2267 |
| Depositing User: |
Juan Fernandez-Ramil
|
| Date Deposited: |
09 Jun 2006 |
| Last Modified: |
02 Dec 2010 19:47 |
| URI: |
http://oro.open.ac.uk/id/eprint/2267 |
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