Evaluation of Code Query Technologies for Industrial Use
A joint study of University of Minho, University of Utrecht and SIG describes the comparison of three code query technologies Crocopat, Rscript, and SemmleCode focusing on their use in industry. Although all technologies implement important features, we recognize the need for another solution combining the best features of all technologies.
Evaluation of Code Query Technologies for Industrial Use
by Tiago L. Alves (University of Minho and SIG), and Peter Rademaker (University of Utrecht and SIG)
Published in the proceedings of the Working Session of Query Technologies and Applications for Program Comprehension (QTAPC 2008), June 10, 2008, Amsterdam, Netherlands (ICPC satellite event).
We have investigated the possibility of using emerging code query technologies in industry. For that purpose we evaluated three alternatives: Crocopat, Rscript, and SemmleCode. We made a comparison with respect to eight criteria focussing on language features and tool integration issues. Although the available solutions are promising we found that none of them fully satisfies our requirements. In particular, we found that the combination of good abstraction and extension facilities lacks in all languages, and that an API is missing from all tools.
We recognize a need for a solution that offers the language abstraction facilities offered by Rscript and the extendability of SemmleCode combined with an API to achieve a smooth integration with existing technologies. We expect that meeting these challenges will expedite industrial adoption.
Download publication: