Using Eye Tracking Technology to Analyze the Impact of Stylistic Inconsistency on Code Readability

Qing Mi, Jacky Keung, Jianglin Huang, Yan Xiao

Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary WorksRGC 32 - Refereed conference paper (with host publication)peer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A number of research efforts have focused in the area of programming style. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is little sound and solid evidence of how and to what extent can stylistic inconsistency impact the readability and maintainability of the source code. To bridge the research gap, we design an empirical experiment in which eye tracking technology is introduced to quantitatively reflect developers' cognitive efforts and mental processes when encountering the inconsistency issue.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2017 IEEE International Conference on Software Quality, Reliability and Security Companion, QRS-C 2017
PublisherIEEE
Pages579-580
ISBN (Electronic) 978-1-5386-2072-4
ISBN (Print)978-1-5386-2073-1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2017
Event2017 IEEE International Conference on Software Quality, Reliability and Security Companion, QRS-C 2017 - Prague, Czech Republic
Duration: 25 Jul 201729 Jul 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings - 2017 IEEE International Conference on Software Quality, Reliability and Security Companion, QRS-C 2017

Conference

Conference2017 IEEE International Conference on Software Quality, Reliability and Security Companion, QRS-C 2017
PlaceCzech Republic
CityPrague
Period25/07/1729/07/17

Research Keywords

  • code readability
  • eye tracking technology
  • program comprehension
  • programming style
  • stylistic inconsistency

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