Enhanced traceability in model-based CASE tools using ontologies and information retrieval

Abstract

Model-based CASE tools provide mechanisms to capture and store heterogeneous artifacts produced during the software development process. These tools incorporate a meta-model describing artifact types and traceability links. Although model-based CASE tools provide required means to create and link different artifact types, still the process of linking artifacts is primarily manual resulting in missing or broken traceability links. This paper proposes a novel approach to create and utilize a project-specific ontology derived from the textual and structural information available in the development artifacts to assist the traceability link creation process. We discuss the benefits and challenges of incorporating the proposed approach in a model-based CASE tool.