Software evolution: background, theory, practice

  • Authors:

  • Meir M. Lehman;Juan F. Ramil

  • Affiliations:

  • School of Computing, Middlesex University, Bounds Green Road, London N11 2NQ, UK;Computing Department, Faculty of Maths and Computing, The Open University, Waiton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK

  • Venue:
  • Information Processing Letters - Special issue: Contribution to computing science
  • Year:
  • 2003

Quantified Score

Hi-index 0.00

Visualization

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.