Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Part I Software product line engineering challenges
- Part II Variability analysis and modelling
- Part III Variability implementation and traceability
- 6 Product line implementation with ECaesarJ
- 7 Model-driven engineering support for product line engineering
- 8 Managing information flow in the SPL development processes
- 9 Using design rationale to improve SPL traceability
- Part IV Product-driven vs. solution-driven software product line engineering
- Part V Future trends
- Epilogue
- References
- Index
8 - Managing information flow in the SPL development processes
from Part III - Variability implementation and traceability
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 September 2011
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Part I Software product line engineering challenges
- Part II Variability analysis and modelling
- Part III Variability implementation and traceability
- 6 Product line implementation with ECaesarJ
- 7 Model-driven engineering support for product line engineering
- 8 Managing information flow in the SPL development processes
- 9 Using design rationale to improve SPL traceability
- Part IV Product-driven vs. solution-driven software product line engineering
- Part V Future trends
- Epilogue
- References
- Index
Summary
Introduction to traceability in SPL
Traceability is a quality attribute in software engineering that establishes the ability to describe and follow the life of a requirement in both the forward and backward directions (i.e. from its origins throughout its specification, implementation, deployment, use and maintenance, and vice-versa). The IEEE Standard Glossary of Software Engineering Terminology defines traceability as ‘the degree to which a relationship can be established between two or more products of the development process, especially products having a predecessor-successor or master-subordinate relationship to one another’ (IEEE, 1999).
According to (Palmer, 1997) ‘traceability gives essential assistance in understanding the relationships that exist within and across software requirements, design, and implementation’. Thus, trace relationships help in identifying the origin and rationale for artefacts generated during development lifecycle and the links between these artefacts. Identification of sources helps understanding requirements evolution and validating implementation of stakeholders’ requirements. The main advantages of traceability are: (i) to relate software artefacts and design decisions taken during the software development cycle; (ii) to give feedback to architects and designers about the current state of the development, allowing them to reconsider alternative design decisions, and to track and understand bugs; and (iii) to ease communication between stakeholders.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Aspect-Oriented, Model-Driven Software Product LinesThe AMPLE Way, pp. 222 - 262Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2011