RETPN: reverse engineering methodology based on timed Petri nets. A software reliability approach

Abstract

Concerns the design and implementation of methodologies applicable to reverse engineering in the software process. In particular, forward engineering is normally in dark and cannot enlighten the advancement of the new process needs. At present, there exists no software engineering methodology capable of guaranteeing major achievements in reverse engineering once a software project has been started and it is to be upgraded in one particular manner. Techniques such as SADT, HIPO, the spiral methodologies, and the very waterfall model do not provide optimal results in reverse engineering because they are based on a systematic, quasi sequential approach to satisfy each specific step in a particular model. However, Petri nets offer the possibility of optimizing reverse software engineering at any stage of the software process and provide a flexible mechanism to ensure quality and guarantee continuity, and consistency in reverse engineering models. In particular, timed Petri nets (TPNs) offer a unique capability to control and optimize the time and cost involved in each individual task or milestone and similarly offer a powerful approach to interact different tasks associated with a specific place in a more flexible and effective manner.