Advantages and Disadvantages of using Shared code from the Developers Perspective: A qualitative study

Context: The code ownership has influence on various aspects of software development, such as code quality, cooperation and team knowledge. However, there are few studies from the point of view of developers that seek to understand the advantages and disadvantages of code ownership. Goals: to investigate what are the advantages and disadvantages of practicing shared code ownership from the perspective of the software developers. Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted using a semi-structured interviews in three technology companies with different profiles. We conducted 19 interviews, that were audio recorded and then transcribed. We coded the data using qualitative coding techniques. Results: Considering companies' context, we have found six advantages and six disadvantages of using shared code ownership. Five proposition were presented. Conclusion: It is noted that the practice of shared code ownership, as described in theory, is more suitable for a more experienced programmers teams, who are able to understand codes without assistance. However, the adaptation of the practice, in which the author is consulted before any change is done, it is necessary for less experienced teams, who feel unsecure to modify the code cause other errors for the project.