What is code mining and why is it important?

A few recent software re-engineering projects like Y2K or the Euro do prove that, no matter how reliable and complete your computer applications may be, there comes a time when they have to be modified. From initial assessment to final testing, the different project phases rely on knowledge: knowledge of the work area, knowledge of requirements, even knowledge about the knowledge your company possesses of these applications. And since most large-scale applications weren't invented yesterday or even last year, this knowledge may be spread (very) thinly over outdated documentation and what is left of the original group of programmers. Where to search for it then?
The most important knowledge pool - one that is often looked down upon - are the applications themselves. Most however are written using older technology and few people understand their components and programming languages. Rapid extraction of specific knowledge may therefore seem unfeasible at first. Here a technique called code mining comes into play. It effectively succeeds in extracting knowledge from application code. The objectives are threefold:

Easy investigation

What is lacking in up-to-date documentation and knowledge of the original designers must be recovered from the application itself. Using the code itself as technical documentation is a trivial solution but not the most efficient one. Therefore code mining must be quick and easy with focused results.

Complete Comprehension

Comprehension is the basis for any engineering effort. Code mining with easy access and focused results adds considerably to the renewed knowledge of flow, structure and application operation, no matter how large. Comprehension enables you to perform tailored analyses and assess their results. Through code mining, decisions for future steps can be based on solid irrefutable data.

Total Control

The ability to make valid decisions about the future of your IT is proof of the fact that you possess complete control. You control your applications, therefore you control the costs and risks their maintenance incurs. And even if your applications didn't have much of a future, they certainly do now.

Some other important advantages:

• Optimal code mining improves any subsequent Code engineering
• Gain access to more efficient maintenance
• Your projects get a faster turnaround
• Operational risks are reduced considerably.

In an ever-changing business world, where information technology is the basis for every operation, being able to rapidly make wellfounded decisions is a prerogative for success. Code mining aids considerably in transforming the huge amount of business knowledge, embedded in computer applications, into a strategic asset.

Ordina Denkart combines tools for advanced code mining and speedy engineering in one package: re•Source, the flexible code knowledge manager. Read how any subsequent software engineering gets a boost through re•Source's tools for mining and modifying.

To return to the re•Source overview, click here.