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The Influence of Code Complexity on Review Efficiency, Effectiveness and Workload in Embedded Software Development

Jahncke, Gina (2023) The Influence of Code Complexity on Review Efficiency, Effectiveness and Workload in Embedded Software Development.

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Abstract:Code review plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of software. However, its effectiveness depends on the cognitive abilities and performance of individual programmers. Drawing upon the theoretical framework of human factors psychology, this study investigates the impact of code complexity on code review workload, efficiency, and effectiveness. An experiment was conducted involving developers from a software development company, Vector Informatik GmbH, who reviewed code samples of varying complexity levels. Subjective workload ratings, review times, and defect detection rates were examined to test the influence of two common code complexity metrics, i.e., cyclomatic complexity and nesting depth on these outcomes. The findings indicate that higher levels of code complexity are associated with elevated workload, increased review times, and decreased fault detection rates. If these results turn out to be true, they suggest that code complexity poses challenges for reviewers in comprehending and maintaining complex code, potentially hindering effective code review. By applying insights from human factors psychology, this study emphasises the cognitive challenges associated with code complexity and highlights the need for strategies to mitigate its negative effects on code review.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Clients:
Vector Informatik GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology MSc (66604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/96448
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