Feature interaction analysis: a maintenance perspective

Software systems have become more complex, with myriad features and multiple functionalities. A major challenge in developing and maintaining such complex software is to identify potential conflicts among its features. Feature interaction analysis becomes progressively more difficult as software’s feature combinations and available scenarios increase. Software maintainers need to identify and analyze conflicts that can arise from feature modification requests. Our approach combines Use Case Maps with Formal Concept Analysis to assist maintainers in identifying feature modification impacts at the requirements level, without the need to examine the source code. We demonstrate the applicability of this approach using a telecommunication case study. Categories and Subject Descriptors D.2.1 [Software Engineering]: Requirement and specification – languages, methodologies General Terms Management Keywords Change Impact Analysis, Feature Interaction, Formal Concept Analysis, Software Evol...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2007
• Where: KBSE
• Authors: Maryam Shiri, Jameleddine Hassine, Juergen Rilling
• Keywords: Feature Interaction, Feature Modification, Formal Concept Analysis, KBSE 2007, Software Engineering