Program Evolution: Processes of Software Change

Description

All those involved in the design, implementation and use of computer-based systems will be aware of the continuous need for fault repair, enhancement and adaptation to changes in the computer's operational environment, or to unforeseen circumstances. They will recognize the truth in the statement: there is no such thing as a ‘finished’ computer program The authors were the first to recognize the phenomenon of program evolution: they pioneered its study, and the development of a software engineering discipline and a coherent programming process. In this book they bring. together for the first time papers written by themselves and colleagues that provide complete and accessible coverage of the subject. This book is required reading for all those with executive management or technical involvement in software development or computer usage and is strongly recommended for all those who are concerned with the effective—and beneficial—exploitation of information technology. Lehman is Emeritus Professor of Computing Science at Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, UK and chairman of Imperial Software Technology. L. A. Belady is Vice President, Software Technology, MCC, Austin, Texas and was previously at the T. J. Watson Research Center, IBM. - Preface 1. Introduction 2. "Program Evolution", M. M. Lehman 3. "The Programming Process", M. M. Lehman 4. "Natural Selection as Applied to Computers and Programs", G. M. Weinberg 5. "Programming System Dynamics or The Metadynamics of Systems in Maintenance and Growth", L. A. Belady and M. M. Lehman 6. "An Introduction to Growth Dynamics", L. A. Belady and M. M. Lehman 7. "Programs, Cities, Students—Limits to Growth", M. M. Lehman 8. "A Model of Large Program Development", L. A. Belady and M. M. Lehman 9. "Program Evolution and its Impact on Software Engineering", M. M. Lehman and F.N. Parr 10. "Evolving Parts and Relations—A Model of System Families", L. A. Belady and P M. Merlin 11. "Human Thought and Action as an Ingredient of System Behaviour", M. M. Lehman 12. "Laws of Program Evolution—Rules and Tools for Programming Management", M. M. Lehman 13. "Staffing Problems in Large Scale Programming", L. A. Belady 14. "The Characteristics of Large Systems", L. A. Belady and M. M. Lehman 15. "On Software Complexity", L. A. Belady 16. "A Mathematical Model for the Evolution of Software", C. M. Woodside 17. "Modifiability of Large Software Systems", L. A. Belady 18. "On Understanding Laws, Evolution and Conservation in the Large-Program Life Cycle", M. M. Lehman 19. "Programs, Life Cycles and Laws of Software Evolution", M. M. Lehman 20. "The Environment of Program Development and Maintenance Programs, Programming and Programming Support", M. M. Lehman 21. "Programming Productivity—A Life Cycle Concept", M. M. Lehman 22. "The Role of Systems and Software Technology in the Fifth Generation ", M. M. Lehman - References - Index