Pattern-Based Trace Correlation Techniques for Software Evolution
Maher Idris · Spectrum Research Repository (Concordia University) · 2011
Pattern-Based Trace Correlation Techniques for Software Evolution Maher IdrisUnderstanding the behavioural aspects and functional attributes of an existing software system is an important enabler for many software engineering activities including software maintenance and evolution.In this thesis, we focus on understanding the differences between subsequent versions of the same system.This allows software engineers to compare the implementation of software features in different versions of the same system so as to estimate the effort required to maintain and test new versions.Our approach consists of exercising the features under study, generate the corresponding execution traces, and compare them.Traces, however, tend to be considerably large.We propose in this thesis to compare them based on their main behavioural patterns.Two trace correlation metrics are also proposed and which vary whether the frequency of the patterns is taken into account or not.We show the effectiveness of our approach by applying it to traces generated from an open source object-oriented system.During my study, I had the privilege to work with some experts and experienced professionals, which was truly an enriching experience.I would like to thank everyone who has helped me and contributed to this research project during my entire graduate study.Dr. Abdelwahab Hamou-Lhadj has been the ideal thesis supervisor.I am heartily thankful for his sage advice, insightful criticisms, guidance and patient encouragement that have aided the completion of this thesis from the initial to the final level of working on my research.Also, I would like to thank all my