Title :
Using software metrics tools for maintenance decisions: a classroom exercise
Author :
Marshall, Andrew D. ; Katchabaw, Michael J. ; Bauer, Michael A.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Comput. Sci., Univ. of Western Ontario, London, Ont., Canada
Abstract :
We explore the use of software metrics tools to guide software maintenance decisions. A senior undergraduate class was given a copy of QUIPU, an implementation of the X.500 directory standard, and asked to determine which component of the system would be the best to rewrite in order to improve the overall quality of the entire software system. We describe the course structure and the information and tools provided to the students. The primary tool used by the students was Rigi, a program understanding tool. We present the methodology and results of one of the successful groups of students. Based on the experiences of the students, we conclude with suggestions for tool designers
Keywords :
computer science education; educational courses; reverse engineering; software maintenance; software metrics; software quality; software tools; QUIPU; Rigi program understanding tool; X.500 directory standard; classroom exercise; course structure; senior undergraduate class; software maintenance decisions; software metrics tool; software system quality; students; system component rewriting; tool designers; Access protocols; Digital audio players; Distributed computing; Information management; Information retrieval; Reverse engineering; Software metrics; Software standards; Software systems; Visual databases;
Conference_Titel :
Assessment of Software Tools, 1996., Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on
Conference_Location :
Toronto, Ont.
Print_ISBN :
0-8186-7390-7
DOI :
10.1109/AST.1996.506477
