A framework for software maintenance: A foundation for scientific inquiry

Abstract

This manuscript develops a framework for software maintenance. The development is based on an approach called ‘grounded theory’, which is an iterative process of theory formation and empirical assessment. The framework's purpose is to unite past theoretical concepts and scientifically observed facts. The result is a four-component model consisting of programmers, source code, maintenance requirement, and organizational influences. The interaction of these four components provides 16 distinct areas of software maintenance inquiry. The manuscript concludes by providing sample uses and implications for the use of the framework.