Software Visualization with Load-time Instrumentation

Poster

Abstract: A running software application usually displays information through a user interface, while hiding its internal processes from the end-user. Vavoom reveals the low-level, dynamic details of an application by weaving logging instructions into Java classes while the application is loading. It then presents the application's runtime information in a collection of real-time visualizations. These visualizations offer the user insight into the internal structure and behavior of the application.

Currently new programmers use the visualizations to help them learn about the dynamics of a software system. The information also aids experienced programmers with software debugging. But, we are now researching higher-level abstractions and visualizations that will provide user feedback to the end-users after deployment. These new abstractions will include visualizations of security, performance, and resource allocation.

Bio: Benjamin Pillet is currently a Computer Science Ph.D. student at the University of California, Irvine. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Information and Decision Systems from Carnegie Mellon University in 2001 with a double major in Economics. He also received a Masters Degree in Information Systems Management from Carnegie Mellon in 2001. Before returning to school in 2003, Ben worked in the IT department of a large defense contractor in Southern California. His current research interests include software visualization and requirements engineering using scenarios.