On using tree visualisation techniques to support source code comprehension

Ivan Bacher, Brian Mac Namee, John D. Kelleher

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This paper presents a design study that investigates the use of compact tree visualisations to provide software developers with an overview of the static structure of a source code document within a code editor in order to facilitate source code understanding and navigation. A prototype is presented which utilises an icicle tree visualisation to encode the control structure hierarchy of a source code document, as well as a circular treemap visualisation to encode the scope hierarchy of a source code document. An overview of the prototype and its functionality is given as well as a detailed discussion on the design rationale behind the tool. Possible applications and future work plans are also discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2016 IEEE Working Conference on Software Visualization, VISSOFT 2016
EditorsBonita Sharif, Christopher Parnin, Johan Fabry
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages91-95
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9781509038503
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Dec 2016
Event4th IEEE Working Conference on Software Visualization, VISSOFT 2016 - Raleigh, United States
Duration: 3 Oct 20164 Oct 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings - 2016 IEEE Working Conference on Software Visualization, VISSOFT 2016

Conference

Conference4th IEEE Working Conference on Software Visualization, VISSOFT 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityRaleigh
Period3/10/164/10/16

Keywords

  • Software visualisation
  • Source code comprehension
  • Tree visualisations techniques

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