The Dual-Edged Sword of Technical Debt Benefits and Issues Analyzed Through Developer Discussion 17m

Summary of ArXiv paper 2407.21007:

The Dual-Edged Sword of Technical Debt: Benefits and Issues Analyzed Through Developer Discussions This study delves into the concept of technical debt, a metaphorical representation of the costs associated with implementing quick fixes or workarounds in software development. The authors, Xiaozhou Li, Matteo Esposito, Andrea Janes, and Valentina Lenarduzzi, investigate the dual nature of technical debt, examining both its benefits and drawbacks through an analysis of developer discussions. Technical debt is defined as the trade-off between short-term gains and long-term consequences, where developers may opt for expedient solutions that compromise the overall quality of the software. The authors argue that technical debt can have both positive and negative effects on software development, and that a nuanced understanding of these dynamics is essential for effective management. The study employs a qualitative approach, analyzing 30 hours of developer discussions from three software development teams. The data is coded and categorized to identify themes related to technical debt, including its benefits, issues, and management strategies. The analysis reveals that technical debt can provide benefits such as increased velocity, reduced upfront costs, and improved customer satisfaction. However, it also introduces issues like increased maintenance costs, decreased code quality, and reduced team morale. The authors identify several factors that contribute to the accumulation of technical debt, including time pressure, lack of resources, and inadequate testing. The study also explores the concept of "technical debt interest," which refers to the ongoing costs associated with maintaining and updating software systems. The authors propose a framework for managing technical debt, which involves identifying, prioritizing, and addressing technical debt items. The findings of this study have significant implications for software development teams and organizations. By acknowledging the dual nature of technical debt, developers can make informed decisions about when to incur technical debt and how to manage its consequences. The study's results also highlight the importance of continuous testing, refactoring, and code review in mitigating the negative effects of technical debt. The authors note that this study has limitations, including the small sample size and the focus on a specific context. Future work should aim to generalize the findings to other software development teams and contexts. Additionally, the study assumes that technical debt is a universal phenomenon, and further research is needed to explore its prevalence and impact in different software development environments.