How Programmers Can Turn Comments into Waypoints for Code Navigation

We have developed a new approach for software navigation called TagSEA (Tagging of Software Engineering Activities). TagSEA combines the notion of “waypointing” with “social tagging” to support programmers in defining navigational structures over a software system. In this paper we present the results from a case study series, conducted with professional programmers, that demonstrates how this tool supports navigation and under what circumstances. We conclude with insights into user-definable navigational structures, and how they can support software maintenance more effectively.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2007
• Where: ICSM
• Authors: Margaret-Anne D. Storey, Li-Te Cheng, Janice Singer, Michael J. Muller, Del Myers, Jody Ryall
• Keywords: ICSM 2007, Navigation Called Tagsea, Navigational Structures, Software Engineering, User-definable Navigational Structures