The impact of traceability on software maintenance and evolution: A mapping study

Abstract

Software traceability plays a critical role in software maintenance and evolution. We conducted a systematic mapping study with six research questions to understand the benefits, costs, and challenges of using traceability in maintenance and evolution. We systematically selected, analyzed, and synthesized 63 studies published between

A visual framework for software requirements traceability

“…The first technique applied is called an "overview first"; it is a perspective method of an understanding dataset with a complete diagram structure familiar with data designs [20]. This technique represents the overview of data as a node-link diagram to improve user understandability and communication [21].…”

When traceability goes awry: An industrial experience report

“…The body of research in traceability is vast, with early works published in the 70s-e.g., Randell [2]. Since then, the concept has been explored in both industry and academia through empirical studies and summarized in systematic literature reviews [3,4,5]. Traceability is essential to govern the software development process, to manage complexity, and mitigate costs [6,7].…”

“…In contrast, Santiago et al looked at managing traceability in the context of model-driven engineering and the associated complexities [13]. According to a recent mapping study surveying 63 papers between 2000 and 2020, traceability involving testing artifacts and related activities is the least investigated [4]. Moreover, according to the authors, few tools support traceability in software testing activity [4].…”

“…According to a recent mapping study surveying 63 papers between 2000 and 2020, traceability involving testing artifacts and related activities is the least investigated [4]. Moreover, according to the authors, few tools support traceability in software testing activity [4]. This conclusion is drawn, despite the numerous research on the tools that either explicitly focus on, or support, traceability in software development.…”

“…Thereby, their success is tied to how rigorously they are used. Tian et al [4] show that traceability in different software development activities has rarely been evaluated in industrial settings (i.e., 16% of the reviewed primary studies). However, despite several studies commending traceability as a prerequisite for a successful software project (and conversely pointing to a lack of traceability as a factor leading to failure [18]), there is no empirical evidence, to the best of our knowledge, that supports these claims in the industrial context.…”