Viewing Object-Oriented Programs Through Scenario Diagrams

Scenario diagrams are a well-known graphical notation for illustrating a sequence of communication events occurring during a particular run of an object-oriented system. Traditionally scenario diagrams are used in the analysis and design phases of software development to visualize the expected dynamic behavior of a system. We show how scenario diagrams can be used reversely as the basis of understanding existing systems. A prototype tool has been implemented with the ability to automatically produce scenario diagrams for existing systems and to scan these diagrams in various ways. The tool has additional properties typical for high-level debuggers, program profilers, and program animators.