On the Investigation of Exception Pull Request Characteristics: Exploring the Apache Ecosystem

Joao Correia, Daniel Coutinho, Alessandro Garcia, Rafael De Mello, Caio Barbosa, Anderson Oliveira, Wesley K.G. Assuncao, Juliana Alves Pereira, Igor Steinmacher, Marco Gerosa, Jairo Souza, Johny Arriel

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Robustness is critical for ensuring that software functions correctly under adverse conditions. Exception-handling mechanisms in programming languages enable developers to deal with these adverse conditions. However, implementing exception-related code can present significant challenges to developers. We investigated exception-related code contributions across Java projects in the Apache ecosystem. We analyzed exception-related pull requests (exception-PRs), which were detected using a validated heuristic. We produced a comprehensive dataset of 988 exception-PRs. We observed no statistically significant differences in complexity metrics between exception-PRs and non-exception-PRs. We also found no significant differences in developers' behavior metrics, indicating consistent engagement regardless of whether the pull request addressed exception-related code. A manual analysis revealed that most exception-PRs focused on system improvements rather than bug fixes, suggesting proactive efforts to enhance software robustness. Moreover, the most frequently addressed aspects of exceptional code in these exception-PRs were: (i) the external representation of adverse situations to end-users (more than 40% of the PRs) and (ii) the implementation of effective error-handling actions (nearly 35% of the PRs) to promote program recoverability. Interestingly, a significant proportion of exception-PRs simultaneously addressed multiple aspects. By understanding the nature and characteristics of exception-PRs, we expect to better support developers in managing erroneous conditions and improving software robustness.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2024 IEEE International Conference on Source Code Analysis and Manipulation, SCAM 2024
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages143-153
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)9798331528508
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
Event24th IEEE International Conference on Source Code Analysis and Manipulation, SCAM 2024 - Flagstaff, United States
Duration: Oct 7 2024Oct 8 2024

Publication series

NameProceedings - 2024 IEEE International Conference on Source Code Analysis and Manipulation, SCAM 2024

Conference

Conference24th IEEE International Conference on Source Code Analysis and Manipulation, SCAM 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityFlagstaff
Period10/7/2410/8/24

Keywords

  • evolution
  • exception handling
  • exceptions
  • maintenance
  • software robustness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Modeling and Simulation

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