Visualizing the refactoring of classes via clustering
Keith Cassell, Craig Anslow, Lindsay J. Groves, Peter M. Andreae · 2011
When developing object-oriented classes, it is difficult to determine how to best reallocate the members of large, complex classes to create smaller, more cohesive ones. Clustering techniques can provide guidance on how to solve this allocation problem; however, inappropriate use of clustering can result in a class structure that is less maintainable than the original. The ExtC Visualizer helps the programmer understand the class structure by visually emphasizing important features of the class’s members and their interrelationships. More importantly, it helps users see how various clustering algorithms group the class’s members. These insights help a programmer choose appropriate techniques for refactoring large classes.