Understanding software architecture erosion: A systematic mapping study

Architecture erosion (AEr) can adversely affect software development and has received significant attention in the last decade. However, there is an absence of a comprehensive understanding state research about reasons consequences AEr, countermeasures to address AEr. This work aims at systematically investigating, identifying, analyzing reasons, consequences, ways detecting handling With 73 studies included, main results are as follows: (1) AEr manifests not only through architectural violations structural issues but also causing problems quality during evolution; (2) non-technical that cause should receive same technical practitioners raise awareness grave thereby taking actions tackle AEr-related issues; (3) spectrum approaches, tools, measures been proposed employed detect AEr; (4) three categories difficulties five lessons learned on tackling were identified. The provide researchers help handle improve sustainability their architecture. More empirical required investigate practices addressing industrial settings.