SmartDelta Methodology: Automated Quality Assurance and Optimization for Incremental System Engineering

TL;DR

The paper introduces the SmartDelta Methodology, a domain-unspecific approach for managing software deltas in incremental development, supported by seven tools, to improve quality assurance and optimization.

Contribution

It presents the SmartDelta Methodology as a novel, domain-unspecific framework for delta management in incremental software engineering, along with seven supporting tools.

Findings

Identified six stages for delta management in incremental development.

Developed seven tools aligned with the methodology stages.

Enhanced understanding of continuous engineering environment gaps.

Abstract

Modern software systems undergo frequent updates, continuously evolving with new versions and variants to offer new features, improve functionality, and expand usability. Given the rapid pace of software evolution, organizations require effective tools and methods to mitigate the challenges associated with these changes, also called deltas. To address these challenges, the international SmartDelta Project joined industry and academia to develop and test solutions for incremental development and quality assurance. This paper provides insights into the SmartDelta project achievements and highlights one main contribution: the SmartDelta Methodology, a domain-unspecific concept for delta management in incremental software engineering. This methodology enables companies to identify gaps in their continuous engineering environment across six stages and helps to discover new tools in various technical areas. Additionally, the paper presents seven selected tools at different stages of the methodology.