Coevolution of variability models and code: an industrial case study

Abstract

In Software Engineering, reuse of artifacts is essential for high productivity. Different studies have shown that efficient reuse needs systematic planning and realization. Variability Management plays a key role in Software Product Line Engineering. We investigate code artifacts and variability models of a real-world Software Product Line over time in order to clarify whether code and variability model evolve congeneric. Furthermore, we suggest and test metrics that would allow detecting variability erosion in the code based on changes in the variability model.