Using dependence graphs to assist manual and automated object oriented software inspections

Abstract

Many researchers have demonstrated the value of software inspections in finding and fixing defects early in the development process. However, manual inspection can be a labour-intensive process. We present a tool that applies dependence graphs to aid object oriented software inspection. Our tool, Coffee Grinder, uses control and data dependence graphs both to immediately visualise a Java system and to facilitate the development of scripts to find defects or locate areas of potential inspection interest. These scripts can output results textually or graphically. We present the design of Coffee Grinder and several example scripts. Coffee Grinder illustrates the case for extensible tool support in the software inspection process