3D representations for software visualization

ABSTRACT

The paper presents a new 3D representation for visualizing large software systems. The origins of this representation can be directly traced to the SeeSoft metaphor. This work extends these visualization mechanisms by utilizing the third dimension, texture, abstraction mechanism, and by supporting new manipulation techniques and user interfaces. By utilizing a 3D representation we can better represent higher dimensional data than previous 2D views. An overview of our prototype tool and its basic functionality is given. Applications of this method to particular software engineering tasks are also discussed.

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Index Terms

• Human-centered computing

  • Human computer interaction (HCI)

• Social and professional topics

  • Professional topics

    • Management of computing and information systems

      • Software management

        • Software maintenance

• Software and its engineering

  • Software creation and management

    • Designing software

      • Software implementation planning

        • Software design techniques

    • Software development process management

    • Software post-development issues