In Search of Theory and Tools to Support Code Inspections

This paper proposes a research agenda and tool development methodology to support software code inspections. Recent research suggests promise and opportunity for a practical, people-oriented, and cognitively-based code inspection research approach. To provide theoretical and practical foundations, this paper identifies research assumptions, pitfalls, and potentials. The paper also proposes a theoretical causal model. Finally, the paper presents and analyzes results from a pilot study. Research contributions include (1) linking tasks, technology, and levels of maturity (using a slightly modified capability maturity model) and (2) positing that, given process maturity and reviewer proficiency profiles, management can better allocate resources (program coders and reviewers matched by motivation, code selection, supporting documentation, and review tools/processes).