Identifying Behavioral Design Flaws in Evolving Object-Oriented Software Using an Ontology-Based Approach

Abstract

It is a demanding process when safeguarding superiority in software development and preservation. Understanding of reoccurring problems to enhance the quality of existing and future software development is employed in the concept of design flaws. Recurring bad design solutions or error-free source codes comprise design flaws, which are hard to comprehend and sustain. Eliminating these flaws without modifying a programs functionality while enhancing program quality at the same time are the goals of code refactoring. To identify some flaws from source code, several rules-based and metrics-based approaches can be used. However, information and consideration of these indicators of low quality software remain insufficient to answer the numerous issues they signify. An ontology-based method is offered in this research to reinforce design flaws detection. Describing the concepts and related properties of design flaws is supported by ontology. A universal understanding of these concepts among those in the software community is fostered by an ontological infrastructure. Further, it gives more succinct definitions that can prevent intersecting and inconstant accounts. When declarative meta-programming is used, detection is carried out at the meta-level. To identify various design flaws that have previously been well documented, this research employs the approach detailed. The approach is effective for detecting such flaws, as substantiated by the findings.