Evaluating the Use of Sound in Static Program Comprehension

摘要: Comprehension of computer programs is daunting, due in part to clutter the software developer's visual environment and need for frequent context changes. Previous research has shown that nonspeech sound can be useful understanding runtime behavior a program. We explore viability advantages using an ecological framework help understand static structure software. describe novel concept auditory display program elements which sounds indicate characteristics relationships among Java program's classes, interfaces, methods. An empirical study employing this was used evaluate 24 sighted professionals students performing maintenance-oriented tasks 2×2 crossover. Viability strong differentiation characterization entities, less so identification. The results suggest sonification advantageous under certain conditions, though they do not overall advantage terms task duration at 5% level significance. uncover other findings such as differences comprehension strategy based on available tool environment. participants reported enthusiasm idea sonification, mitigated by lack familiarity with brittleness tool. Limitations present include restriction particular types tasks, single mapping, programming language, limited training time, but use shows sufficient promise continued research.