On Using Tree Visualisation Techniques to Support Source Code Comprehension

Abstract

This paper presents a design study that investigates the use of compact tree visualisations to provide software developers with an overview of the static structure of a source code document within a code editor in order to facilitate source code understanding and navigation. A prototype is presented which utilises an icicle tree visualisation to encode the control structure hierarchy of a source code document, as well as a circular treemap visualisation to encode the scope hierarchy of a source code document. An overview of the prototype and its functionality is given as well as a detailed discussion on the design rationale behind the tool. Possible applications and future work plans are also discussed.