Feature Location for Multi-Layer System Based on Formal Concept Analysis

Locating features in software composed of multiple layers is a challenging problem because we have to find program elements distributed over layers, which still work together to constitute a feature. This paper proposes a semi-automatic technique to extract correspondence between features and program elements among layers. By merging execution traces of each layer to feed into formal concept analysis, collaborative program elements are grouped into formal concepts and tied with a set of execution scenarios. We applied our technique to an example of web application composed of three layers. The result indicates that our technique is not only feasible but promising to promote program understanding in a more realistic context.