The complex software network evolution of Java Development Kits: topological properties and design principles

We study evolving topological properties of a typical example of complex software networks, the family of Java networks constructed from Java Development Kits (JDKs). In Java networks, a node is a software entity (class or interface) and there is an edge connecting two nodes if they have some syntactical relationships. After analysing a variety of topological characteristics, we conclude that the family of Java networks is in the category of small-world and scale-free networks owning a disassortative hierarchical structure, whose evolving properties are investigated as well. The topological properties are linked with software design principles and software practices. Through the study, some insights have been shed into the evolution of complex software networks.

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