Application of Multi-Objective Hyper-Heuristics to Solve the Multi-Objective Software Module Clustering Problem

Abstract

Software maintenance is an important step in the software lifecycle. Software module clustering is a HHMO_CF_GDA optimization problem involving several targets that require minimization of module coupling and maximization of software cohesion. Moreover, multi-objective software module clustering involves assembling a specific group of modules according to specific cluster criteria. Software module clustering classifies software modules into different clusters to enhance the software maintenance process. A structure with low coupling and high cohesion is considered an excellent software module structure. In this study, we apply a multi-objective hyper-heuristic method to solve the multi-objective module clustering problem with three objectives: (i) minimize coupling, (ii) maximize cohesion, and (iii) ensure high modularization quality. We conducted several experiments to obtain optimal and near-optimal solutions for the multi-objective module clustering optimization problem. The experimental results demonstrated that the HHMO_CF_GDA method outperformed the individual multi-objective evolutionary algorithms in solving the multi-objective software module clustering optimization problem. The resulting software, in which HHMO_CF_GDA was applied, was more optimized and achieved lower coupling with higher cohesion and better modularization quality. Moreover, the structure of the software was more robust and easier to maintain because of its software modularity.