Evolutional Insights from UML and Source Code Versions using Information Visualization and Visual Analysis

Abstract

Risks associated with producing today's software applications are increasingly linked with size and complexity - just too many aspects of software to fit in the head of even the most talented software engineer. Understanding software entails more than browsing the source code or reviewing the models in the other software artifacts. We use information visualization and visual analysis techniques to parse data sets generated from UML and Java SDK source code versions to examine patterns. This visual perspective provides relevant insights and additional navigation opportunities for software engineers during development and maintenance activities.