List four important factors used to assess applications for evolution.

List four important factors used to assess applications for evolution.
Answer: Understandability How difficult is it to understand the source code of the current system? How complex are the control structures that are used? Do variables have meaningful names that reflect their function?

Documentation What system documentation is available? Is the documentation complete, consistent, and current?

Data Is there an explicit data model for the system? To what extent is data duplicated across files? Is the data used by the system up-to-date and consistent?

Performance Is the performance of the application adequate? Do performance problems have a significant effect on system users?

Programming language Are modern compilers available for the programming language used to develop the system? Is the programming language still used for new system development?

Configuration management Are all versions of all parts of the system managed by a configuration management system? Is there an explicit description of the versions of components that are used in the current system?

Test data Does test data for the system exist? Is there a record of regression tests carried out when new features have been added to the system?

Personnel skills Are there people available who have the skills to maintain the application? Are there people available who have experience with the system?

(pick your choice of 4)