A science mapping analysis of the literature on software product lines

Abstract

To compete in the global marketplace, manufacturers try to differentiate their products by focusing on individual customer needs. Fulfilling this goal requires companies to shift from mass production to mass customization. In the context of software development, software product line engineering has emerged as a cost effective approach to developing families of similar products by support high levels of mass customization. This paper analyzes the literature on software product lines from its beginnings to 2014. A science mapping approach is applied to identify the most researched topics, and how the interest in those topics has evolved along the way.