A survey on search-based software design

Search-based approaches to software design are investigated. Software design is considered from a wide view, including topics that can also be categorized under software maintenance or re-engineering. Search-based approaches have been used in research from high architecture level design to software clustering and finally software refactoring. Enhancing and predicting software quality with search-based methods is also taken into account as a part of the design process. The choices regarding fundamental decisions, such as representation and fitness function, when using in meta-heuristic search algorithms, are emphasized and discussed in detail. Ideas for future research directions are also given.