Using metaphors from natural discussion to improve the design of arcum

Abstract

In this paper we present an exploratory pair-programming study aimed at investigating how programmers use a tool and language designed for performing crosscutting change tasks. Through a qualitative analysis of the pairs' discussions, we identify the metaphors that the participants used to think about crosscutting change tasks, which allowed us to infer their expectations. The metaphors of particular interest were the comparisons participants used to describe their approach in terms of other meta and non-meta programming tasks. From this analysis, we identified challenges the participants encountered in writing custom checks and refactorings.