Evolving legacy system features into fine-grained components

Abstract

There is a constant need for practical, efficient and cost-effective software evolution techniques. We propose a novel evolution methodology that integrates the concepts of features, regression tests, and component-based software engineering (CBSE). Regression test cases are untapped resources, full of information about system features. By exercising each feature with their associated test cases using code profilers and similar tools, code can be located and refactored to create components. These components are then inserted back into the legacy system, ensuring a working system structure. This methodology is divided into three parts. Part one identifies the source code associated with features that need evolution. Part two deals with creating components and part three measures results. By applying this methodology, AFS has successfully restructured its enterprise legacy system and reduced the costs of future maintenance. Additionally, the components that were refactored from the legacy system are currently being used within a web-enabled application.