SPLICE: A Lightweight Software Product Line Development Process for Small and Medium Size Projects

Abstract

Combining Software Product Line Engineering (SPLE) and Agile Software Development (ASD) is an approach for companies working with similar systems in scenarios of volatile requirements aiming to address fast changes and a systematic variability management. However, a development process covering the whole SPLE lifecycle and using agile practices in small and medium size development projects has not been established yet. There is a need to disseminate such combination through well-defined roles, activities, tasks and artifacts. This paper presents SPLICE, a lightweight development process combining SPLE and agile practices, following reactive and extractive approaches to build similar systems. SPLICE addresses the needs of small development teams aiming to adopt SPL practices with low upfront costs and fast return on investment. In order to evaluate our proposal, we report our experience in a case study by developing Rescue MeSPL, a product line for mobile applications that assists users in emergency situations. The case study results point SPLICE achieves the three evaluated aspects by providing short and proper iterations, possibilities for activities adaptations and continuous feedback.