Combating architectural degeneration: a survey

  • Authors:

  • Lorin Hochstein;Mikael Lindvall

  • Affiliations:

  • Fraunhofer Center for Experimental Software Engineering, University of Maryland, 4321 Hartwick Road, Suite 500, College Park, MD 20742, USA;Fraunhofer Center for Experimental Software Engineering, University of Maryland, 4321 Hartwick Road, Suite 500, College Park, MD 20742, USA

  • Venue:
  • Information and Software Technology
  • Year:
  • 2005

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Abstract

As software systems evolve over time, they invariably undergo changes that can lead to a degeneration of the architecture. Left unchecked, degeneration may reach a level where a complete redesign is necessary, a task that requires significant effort. In this paper, we present a survey of technologies developed by researchers that can be used to combat degeneration, that is, technologies that can be employed in identifying, treating and researching degeneration. We also discuss the various causes of degeneration and how it can be prevented.