Power Law Distributions in Class Relationships

TL;DR

This paper identifies twelve new power law distributions in Java class relationships, revealing patterns that can predict features of classes and linking object-oriented coupling with web structures.

Contribution

The paper uncovers twelve novel power law laws in Java class graph structures, advancing understanding of object-oriented coupling patterns.

Findings

Twelve new power law distributions in Java class relationships.

Power laws relate to inheritance, aggregation, and interface structures.

Provides basis for predicting class features in future software developments.

Abstract

Power law distributions have been found in many natural and social phenomena, and more recently in the source code and run-time characteristics of Object-Oriented (OO) systems. A power law implies that small values are extremely common, whereas large values are extremely rare. In this paper, we identify twelve new power laws relating to the static graph structures of Java programs. The graph structures analyzed represented different forms of OO coupling, namely, inheritance, aggregation, interface, parameter type and return type. Identification of these new laws provide the basis for predicting likely features of classes in future developments. The research in this paper ties together work in object-based coupling and World Wide Web structures.