Authors:
Rachel Burrows
1
;
Alessandro Garcia
2
and
François Taïani
1
Affiliations:
1
Lancaster University, United Kingdom
;
2
Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Keyword(s):
Software Metrics, Aspect-Oriented Programming, Coupling, Empirical Studies, Systematic Review
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Aspect-Oriented Software Development
;
Aspects
;
Paradigm Trends
;
Service-Oriented Software Engineering and Management
;
Software Change and Configuration Management
;
Software Engineering
;
Software Quality Management
Abstract:
Over the last few years, a growing number of studies have explored how Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) might impact software maintainability. Most of the studies use coupling metrics to assess the impact of AOP mechanisms on maintainability attributes such as design stability and error proneness. Unfortunately, the use of such metrics is fraught with dangers, which have so far not been thoroughly investigated. To clarify this problem, this paper presents a systematic review of recent AOP maintainability studies. Our review consolidates data from recent research results, highlights circumstances when the applied coupling measures are suitable to AO programs and draws attention to deficiencies where coupling metrics need to be improved.