On the impact of trace-based feature location in the performance of software maintainers

  • Authors:

  • Marcelo De Almeida Maia;Raquel Fialho Lafetá

  • Affiliations:

  • Faculty of Computing, Federal University of Uberlíndia, Av. João Naves de Ávila, 2121 Bloco B. Uberlíndia, MG 38400-902, Brazil;Faculty of Computing, Federal University of Uberlíndia, Av. João Naves de Ávila, 2121 Bloco B. Uberlíndia, MG 38400-902, Brazil

  • Venue:
  • Journal of Systems and Software
  • Year:
  • 2013

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Abstract

Software maintainers frequently strive to locate source code related to specific software features. This situation is mostly observable when features are scattered in the code. Considering this problem, several approaches for feature location using execution traces have been developed. Nonetheless, the practice of post-mortem analysis based on execution traces is not fully incorporated in the daily practice of software maintainers. Empirical studies that reveal strengths and weaknesses on the use of execution traces in maintenance activities could better explain the role of execution traces in software maintenance. This study reports on a controlled experiment conducted with maintainers performing actual maintenance activities on systems of different sizes unknown to them. There are benefits from systematic use of execution traces: the reduction of the maintenance activity time and greater accuracy of the activity outcome. Other qualitative observations were the lower level of activity difficulty perceived by the participants that used execution trace information and that this kind of information seems to be less useful in maintenance activities where the problem of feature scattering does not occur clearly.