Search-based software engineering

Abstract

In the past five years there has been a dramatic increase in work on Search Based Software Engineering (SBSE), an approach to Software Engineering (SE) in which Search Based Optimization (SBO) algorithms are used to address problems in SE. SBSE has been applied to problems throughout the SE life cycle, from requirements and project planning to maintenance and reengineering. The approach is attractive because it offers a suite of adaptive automated and semi-automated solutions in situations typified by large complex problem spaces with multiple competing and conflicting objectives.This paper 1 provides a review and classification of literature on SBSE. The paper identifies research trends and relationships between the techniques applied and the applications to which they have been applied and highlights gaps in the literature and avenues for further research.

Survey Paper for Software Project Team, Staffing, Scheduling and Budgeting Problem

“…What and who is being planned, and for what purposes, and where is this schedule occurring, in any case [12], [24]?…”

Automated Test Generation for Java Generics

“…The use of search algorithms to automate software engineering tasks has been receiving a tremendous amount of attention in the literature [8], as they are well suited to address complex, non-linear problems.…”

Search methodologies in real-world software engineering

“…Designing a good test set is challenging, and many techniques and strategies have been proposed. Search-based approaches have been applied to several testing goals and issues [9]. An interesting topic is the automated generation of test cases through search [13].…”

“…There is, therefore, a wide scope for applying optimisation techniques in all stages of the software life-cycle. Consider, for example, the following illustrative questions from [9]: "(1) What is the smallest set of test cases that covers all the branches in this program?, (2) What is the best way to structure the architecture of this system to enhance its maintainability?, (3) What is the set of requirements that balances software development cost and customer satisfaction?". These an other problems in software engineering can be formulated as optimisation problems and solutions are found using modern search methodologies such as evolutionary algorithms and other metaheuristics.…”

“…Since then there has been an explosion of activity in this area with an increasing number of publications appearing in prestigious journals and conferences [9].…”