Examining the evolution of code comments in PostgreSQL

It is common, especially in large software systems, for developers to change code without updating its associated comments due to their unfamiliarity with the code or due to time constraints. This is a potential problem since outdated comments may confuse or mislead developers who perform future development. Using data recovered from CVS, we study the evolution of code comments in the PostgreSQL project. Our study reveals that over time the percentage of commented functions remains constant except for early fluctuation due to the commenting style of a particular active developer. Categories and Subject Descriptors D.2.7 [Software Engineering]: Distribution, Maintenance, and Enhancement – Documentation. General Terms Human Factors. Keywords Software Evolution, Software Maintenance, Code comments.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: MSR
• Authors: Zhen Ming Jiang, Ahmed E. Hassan
• Keywords: Associated Comments, Code Comments, Large Software Systems, MSR 2006