Software systems as complex networks: Structure, function, and evolvability of software collaboration graphs

Christopher R. Myers
Phys. Rev. E 68, 046116 – Published 20 October 2003
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Abstract

Software systems emerge from mere keystrokes to form intricate functional networks connecting many collaborating modules, objects, classes, methods, and subroutines. Building on recent advances in the study of complex networks, I have examined software collaboration graphs contained within several open-source software systems, and have found them to reveal scale-free, small-world networks similar to those identified in other technological, sociological, and biological systems. I present several measures of these network topologies, and discuss their relationship to software engineering practices. I also present a simple model of software system evolution based on refactoring processes which captures some of the salient features of the observed systems. Some implications of object-oriented design for questions about network robustness, evolvability, degeneracy, and organization are discussed in the wake of these findings.

  • Received 27 May 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.68.046116

©2003 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Christopher R. Myers

  • Cornell Theory Center, Rhodes Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA

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Vol. 68, Iss. 4 — October 2003

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