Using diagrammatic explorations to understand code

摘要: Understanding code is a significant challenge for developers. This thesis examines the limitations of current tools that use diagrams to assist comprehension and demonstrates value four design principles: (1) That should be based on familiar models such as UML class layered architectural diagrams, so developers can understand them without additional training. (2) must able focus specific parts codebase relevant developer's task, prevent users from getting overwhelmed with irrelevant information. (3) focused need support exploration by directly interacting existing diagram. (4) created users' needed their tasks in traditional editors. This shows understanding software effectively supported interactive using representations code. These ideas have been combined build two tools: Strata, which displays popular Relo, diagrams. The evaluated both controlled lab studies field deployments. Study results positive, indicating merit these ideas. (Copies available exclusively MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)