Using traceability mechanisms to support software product line evolution

This paper presents traceability mechanisms to support software product line evolution. Product line approach to software development requires designers to consider requirements for a family of products and the relationships between these requirements. This paper examines three kinds of evolution processes -architecture, product line, and product. Change management mechanisms are identified. These mechanisms share four strategies change identification, change impact, change propagation, and change validation. An evolution model based on dependency relationships structure of the various product line artifacts is developed.