Assessing architectural evolution: a case study |
| |
Authors: | Michel Wermelinger Yijun Yu Angela Lozano Andrea Capiluppi |
| |
Affiliation: | 1.Computing Department & Centre for Research in Computing,The Open University,Milton Keynes,UK;2.ICTEAM,Université catholique de Louvain,Louvain-la-Neuve,Belgium;3.School of Computing, Information Technology and Engineering,University of East London,London,UK |
| |
Abstract: | This paper proposes to use a historical perspective on generic laws, principles, and guidelines, like Lehman’s software evolution
laws and Martin’s design principles, in order to achieve a multi-faceted process and structural assessment of a system’s architectural
evolution. We present a simple structural model with associated historical metrics and visualizations that could form part
of an architect’s dashboard. We perform such an assessment for the Eclipse SDK, as a case study of a large, complex, and long-lived
system for which sustained effective architectural evolution is paramount. The twofold aim of checking generic principles
on a well-know system is, on the one hand, to see whether there are certain lessons that could be learned for best practice
of architectural evolution, and on the other hand to get more insights about the applicability of such principles. We find
that while the Eclipse SDK does follow several of the laws and principles, there are some deviations, and we discuss areas
of architectural improvement and limitations of the assessment approach. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|