The Relevance of Application Domain Knowledge: The Case of Computer Program Comprehension.

Author List: Shaft, Teresa M.; Vessey, Iris;

Information Systems Research, 1995, Volume 6, Issue 3, Page 286-299.

The field of software, has, to date, focused almost exclusively on application-independent approaches. In this research, we demonstrate the role of application domain knowledge in the processes used to comprehend computer programs. Our research sought to reconcile two apparently conflicting theories of computer program comprehension by proposing a key role for knowledge of the application domain under examination. We argue that programmers use more top-down comprehension processes when they are familiar with the application domain. When the application domain is unfamiliar, programmers use processes that are more bottom-up in nature. We conducted a protocol analysis study of 24 professional programmers comprehending programs in familiar and unfamiliar application domains. Our findings confirm our thesis.

Keywords: Application dependence; Application domain; Computer program comprehension

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#53	0.530	knowledge application management domain processes kms systems study different use domains role comprehension effective types draw scope furthermore level levels
#220	0.197	research study different context findings types prior results focused studies empirical examine work previous little knowledge sources implications specifically provide
#297	0.155	programming program programmers pair programs pairs software development problem time language application productivity best nominal languages programmer generators working reduces
#21	0.071	research information systems science field discipline researchers principles practice core methods area reference relevance conclude set focus propose perspective inquiry