An Approach for Mapping Features to Code Based on Static and Dynamic Analysis

System evolution depends greatly on the ability of a maintainer to locate source code that is specific to feature implementation. Existing feature location techniques require either exercising several features of the system, or rely heavily on domain experts to guide the feature location process. In this paper, we present a novel approach for feature location that combines static and dynamic analysis techniques. An execution trace is generated by exercising the feature under study (dynamic analysis). A component dependency graph (static analysis) is used to rank the components invoked in the trace according to their relevance to the feature. Our ranking technique is based on the impact of a component modification on the rest of the system. The proposed approach is automatic to a large extent relieving users from any decision that would otherwise require extensive domain knowledge of the system. A case study is presented to support and evaluate the applicability of our approach.