Usage scenarios for feature model synthesis

Feature models are menu-like hierarchies of features (i.e., configuration options) used in variability-rich software. Feature models have many applications such as domain analysis, describing design and implementation constraints in software, or for product configuration. The many applications of feature models have given rise to a wide range of scenarios involving feature model synthesis. Feature model synthesis is the process of building a feature model for a given set of features and their allowed combinations, expressed as feature dependencies or feature configurations. We describe and classify software re-engineering scenarios involving feature model synthesis found in literature and industry. We analyze these scenarios to derive requirements for feature model synthesis techniques.