Program Understanding: Models and Experiments

doi:10.1016/S0065-2458(08)60543-4

Advances in Computers

Volume 40, 1995, Pages 1-38

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2458(08)60543-4 Get rights and content

Abstract

Models of how programmers understand code they have not written have been developed and analyzed for many years. These models describe program comprehension at various levels of detail. This papers puts them in perspective, particularly with regard to specialized maintenance tasks versus general code understanding needs. Experiments support some, but not all, comprehension models. We analyze models and their validation experiments to see what the current state of knowledge about program comprehension offers. Open issues point to a need for more experimental studies with experienced software engineers working on specific maintenance tasks and large-scale code in state-of-the-art environments.

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Program Understanding: Models and Experiments

Abstract

International Journal of Man-Machine Studies

International Journal of Man-Machine Studies

International Journal of Man-Machine Studies

Cognitive Psychology

International Journal of Man-Machine Studies

International Journal of Man-Machine Studies

Problem Solving and the Development of Abstract Categories in Programming Languages

Memory and Cognition

A Model of Software Design

The Role of Program Structure in Software Maintenance

International Journal of Man-Machine Studies

How Do We Read Algorithms? A Case Study.

IEEE Computer

Graphical vs. Textual Representation: An Empirical Study of Novices' Program Comprehension

The Nature and Development of Programming Plans

International Journal of Man-Machine Studies

The Role of Notation and Knowledge Representation in the Determination of Programming Strategy: A Framework for Integrating Models of Programming Behavior

Cognitive Science

Models and Theories of Programming Strategy

International Journal of Man-Machine Studies

Knowledge Exploited by Experts During Software Systems Design

International Journal of Man-Machine Studies