A systematic mapping on visual solutions to support the comprehension of software architecture evolution

Abstract

Context: Software visualization has the potential to support specialized stakeholders to understand the software architecture (SA) evolution. To the best of our knowledge, there is no guideline based on which visual solutions should be applied to support the SA evolution comprehension and how to use them. Goal: Analyze the use of visual solutions for the purpose of comprehension with respect to software architecture evolution from the point of view of software architects and developers in the context of both academia and industry. Method: We conducted a Systematic Mapping Study to achieve the stated goal. Results: The study identified 92 papers published from January 2000 to December 2018 as a result of the search strings execution. We selected 12 primary studies and identified a gap in terms of a taxonomy to assist specialists in the development or classification of solutions to support the comprehension of software architecture evolution using visual resources. Conclusion: We observed that despite the relevance of the use of visual solutions to support the comprehension of software architecture evolution, only 12 studies have reported these initiatives, suggesting that there is still room for the use of different visual metaphors to represent its components, relationships and evolution throughout the releases.