How Software Engineering Tools Organize Programmer Behavior During the Task of Data Encapsulation

摘要: Tool-assisted meaning-preserving program restructuring has been proposed to aid the evolution of large software systems. These systems are difficult modify because relevant information is often widely distributed. We performed an exploratory study determine how programmers used a tool interface called ’’star diagram‘‘ organize their behavior for task encapsulating data structure. videotaped six pairs while they encapsulated and enhanced structure in existing program. Each team one three environments: standard UNIX tools, with textual view source code, or using star diagram view. We systematically analyzed videotape transcripts derive model encapsulation. opportunistically exploited features tools (e.g., cursors) representation ordering lines file) help them track current state activity. method exploiting tracks way that decreases likelihood some types oversights missing required change), but may not address others making change incorrectly), hence requiring separate check. also observed preferred design restructure fashion. The major challenge restructuring, then, appears arise from fact it costly haphazard maintain completeness consistency properties state-maintaining tactics employ tools. The inherent invisibility makes even more costly. insights have led us redesign our better support counter invisibility.