Approach to a theory of software process and software evolution

Abstract

This preliminary introduction, extracted from work in progress, is intended to illustrate an approach currently under development. If successfully and convincingly completed, the result should make a significant contribution, providing software engineering technology with the theoretical foundations and framework needed to support further major process and technology improvement. Expressing the theory in an appropriate formalism will represent a still further advance. The present development is a first, essential, step to achieve this outcome.