Software Traceability Tools: Overview and Categorisation

Abstract

There are a number of tools that aim to support developers in managing traceability information. Ranging from specialised tools that allow to connect a few specific types of artefacts with each other to fully integrated application lifecycle management tools, they promise to let their users reap the benefits of traceability. This article provides an overview and a categorisation of a total of 23 such tools and highlights the current state-of-the-practice w.r.t. the features supported by such tools and their integration with a tool-chain. Using categories derived from design guidelines for traceability management tools, we highlight different approaches and discuss the impact of adopting a tool with specific characteristics on the tool and process landscapes of a development organisation.