Retrieving reusable software by sampling behavior

A new model called behavior sampling, is proposed for automated retrieval of reusable components from software libraries. Behavior sampling exploits the property of software that distinguishes it from other forms of text: executability. Basic behavior sampling identifies relevant routines by executing candidates on a searcher-supplied sample of operational inputs and by comparing their output to output provided by the searcher. The probabilistic basis for behavior sampling is described, and experimental results are reported that suggest that basic behavior sampling exhibits high precision when used with small samples. Extensions to basic behavior sampling are proposed to improve its recall and to make it applicable to the retrieval of abstract data types and object classes.