Categorization of concerns: a categorical program comprehension model

Abstract

Program comprehension models lack associations with the paradigm of separation of concerns. We present a holistic program comprehension model based on categorization studies of psychology. A comparison of research about categorization and separation of concerns is used to develop the model. The cognition in this model is influenced by the context wherein a programmer investigates the code. The comprehension process starts with some ad-hoc concerns that are about to be refined by following an investigation strategy and a vertical process study. Through this study, the concerns refinement may imply an update on the knowledge and the adoption of a new behavior for the investigation strategy. Our model can serve as a starting point for further investigations.