Complexity-Based Evaluation of the Evolution of XML and UML Systems

Abstract

This chapter analyses current problems in the management of software evolution and argues the need to use the Chaos Theory to model software systems. Several correlation metrics are described, and the authors conclude the Long-Range Correlation looks to be the most promising metrics. The Long-Range Correlation measures for XML and Java files are very similar. We then identify the number of ideas that may be raised in the process of software development, and link the different behaviours of the software evolution to the Verhulst model. Finally, we analyse one industrial test case and verify that the behaviours of software evolution are represented in the Verhulst model.