A process model for decision based software development

A process model for software maintenance using the decision-based software development (DBSD) paradigm is described. The DBSD paradigm models the process of software development and maintenance as a continuous problem-solving activity where the decision is the focal point. An important aspect of this process is the preparation for perfective and corrective maintenance by identifying conditional decisions whose validation depends on experience with the production system. Validation requires the instrumentation of the production system to collect data which will support or refute the decision. The authors discuss the instrumenting of a prototype DBSD support environment to collect data to validate the proposed process model. Also given are the results of some preliminary data