Using evolution to evaluate reverse engineering technologies : mapping the process of software change

Abstract

This paper describes a case study where versions of software are used to track actual changes made to software applications. The process of evolution within a number of software applications is described. The applications are developed using two different software development languages; C and COBOL. The evolution of the applications is tracked and language specific differences are highlighted. Graphical representations of the change process are then produced and the reasons for specific change features identified. The aim of the approach is to gain a more detailed understanding of how and where change processes take place. The consequence of identifiable sets of changes and their effect on the future maintainability of software is discussed. The overall aim of this study is to provide a characterisation of the change process that eventually can be used to evaluate the suitability of reverse engineering technologies in re-structuring legacy applications to a form more suited to successful evolution.