Splitting a Large Software Archive for Easing Future Software Evolution - An Industrial Experience Report using Formal Concept Analysis

Abstract

Philips Medical Systems produces medical diagnostic imaging products, such as MR, X-ray and CT scanners. The software of these devices is complex, has been evolving for several decades and is currently a multi-MLOC monolithic software archive. In this paper we report on splitting a single software archive into multiple smaller archives so that these can be developed independently, easing the software’s evolution. To determine how to split such a single software archive we use formal concept analysis. Because of the sheer size of the monolithic software archive, we also propose to use a ‘leveled approach’. This leveled approach implies that the analysis technique is applied in several iterations, whereby in some iterations only part of the application is subjected to the analysis technique. We conclude this paper with an evaluation of the used analysis method in this industrial context.