Program Comprehension: A Characterization for Supporting the Process
When software needs to be changed
also the needs for localizing the relevant program parts and to comprehend
their meaning emerge. The fundamental components having effect on software
maintenance and comprehension include the source code and documentation,
programmers and requirements. We will characterize the process of changing and
comprehending programs, and will give a model for program comprehension in
order to find implications for supporting the process. We will also refer to
the main streams of solutions attacking the comprehension problem.
Updated: Sept. 27, 2004
by Jussi Koskinen.