On technical debt in mathematical programming: An exploratory study

Abstract The Technical Debt (TD) metaphor describes development shortcuts taken for expediency that cause the degradation of internal software quality. It has served discourse between engineers and management regarding how to invest resources in maintenance extend into scientific (both tools, algorithms analysis conducted with it). Mathematical programming been considered ‘special purpose programming’, meant program simulate particular problem types (e.g., symbolic mathematics through Matlab). Likewise, more traditional mathematical ‘modelling programming’ models by providing structures required formulations GAMS, AMPL, AIMMS). Because this, other authors have argued need consider as closely related development. As a result, this paper presents novel exploration TD assessing self-reported practices survey, which gathered 168 complete responses. This study discovered potential debts manifested smells attitudinal causes towards them. Results uncovered trend refactor polish final model use version control detailed comments. Nonetheless, we traces negative Code Documentation , alongside hints indicating most is deliberately introduced (i.e., modellers are aware their not best). We aim discuss idea also present it may hamper reproducibility maintainability created. overall goal outline future areas work can lead changing current modellers’ habits assist extending existing practice research) eventually manage programming.