arXiv subjects

Ronnie de Souza Santos

Publications and source records attributed to Ronnie de Souza Santos.

83 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2023

Navigating the Path of Women in Software Engineering: From Academia to Industry

Context. Women remain significantly underrepresented in software engineering, leading to a lasting gender gap in the software industry. This disparity starts in education and extends into the industry, causing challenges such as hostile work environments and unequal opportunities. Addressing these issues is crucial for fostering an inclusive and diverse software engineering workforce. Aim. This study aims to enhance the literature on women in software engineering, exploring their journey from academia to industry and discussing perspectives, challenges, and support. We focus on Brazilian women to extend existing research, which has largely focused on North American and European contexts. Method. In this study, we conducted a cross-sectional survey, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data, focusing on women's experiences in software engineering to explore their journey from university to the software industry. Findings. Our findings highlight persistent challenges faced by women in software engineering, including gender bias, harassment, work-life imbalance, undervaluation, low sense of belonging, and impostor syndrome. These difficulties commonly emerge from university experiences and continue to affect women throughout their entire careers. Conclusion. In summary, our study identifies systemic challenges in women's software engineering journey, emphasizing the need for organizational commitment to address these issues. We provide actionable recommendations for practitioners.

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arXiv2023

Are We Testing or Being Tested? Exploring the Practical Applications of Large Language Models in Software Testing

A Large Language Model (LLM) represents a cutting-edge artificial intelligence model that generates coherent content, including grammatically precise sentences, human-like paragraphs, and syntactically accurate code snippets. LLMs can play a pivotal role in software development, including software testing. LLMs go beyond traditional roles such as requirement analysis and documentation and can support test case generation, making them valuable tools that significantly enhance testing practices within the field. Hence, we explore the practical application of LLMs in software testing within an industrial setting, focusing on their current use by professional testers. In this context, rather than relying on existing data, we conducted a cross-sectional survey and collected data within real working contexts, specifically, engaging with practitioners in industrial settings. We applied quantitative and qualitative techniques to analyze and synthesize our collected data. Our findings demonstrate that LLMs effectively enhance testing documents and significantly assist testing professionals in programming tasks like debugging and test case automation. LLMs can support individuals engaged in manual testing who need to code. However, it is crucial to emphasize that, at this early stage, software testing professionals should use LLMs with caution while well-defined methods and guidelines are being built for the secure adoption of these tools.

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arXiv2023

Myths and Facts about a Career in Software Testing: A Comparison between Students' Beliefs and Professionals' Experience

Testing is an indispensable part of software development. However, a career in software testing is reported to be unpopular among students in computer science and related areas. This can potentially create a shortage of testers in the software industry in the future. The question is, whether the perception that undergraduate students have about software testing is accurate and whether it differs from the experience reported by those who work in testing activities in the software development industry. This investigation demonstrates that a career in software testing is more exciting and rewarding, as reported by professionals working in the field, than students may believe. Therefore, in order to guarantee a workforce focused on software quality, the academy and the software industry need to work together to better inform students about software testing and its essential role in software development.

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arXiv2023

Software Testing and Code Refactoring: A Survey with Practitioners

Nowadays, software testing professionals are commonly required to develop coding skills to work on test automation. One essential skill required from those who code is the ability to implement code refactoring, a valued quality aspect of software development; however, software developers usually encounter obstacles in successfully applying this practice. In this scenario, the present study aims to explore how software testing professionals (e.g., software testers, test engineers, test analysts, and software QAs) deal with code refactoring to understand the benefits and limitations of this practice in the context of software testing. We followed the guidelines to conduct surveys in software engineering and applied three sampling techniques, namely convenience sampling, purposive sampling, and snowballing sampling, to collect data from testing professionals. We received answers from 80 individuals reporting their experience refactoring the code of automated tests. We concluded that in the context of software testing, refactoring offers several benefits, such as supporting the maintenance of automated tests and improving the performance of the testing team. However, practitioners might encounter barriers in effectively implementing this practice, in particular, the lack of interest from managers and leaders. Our study raises discussions on the importance of having testing professionals implement refactoring in the code of automated tests, allowing them to improve their coding abilities.

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arXiv2023

Comparing Mobile Testing Tools Using Documentary Analysis

Due to the high demand for mobile applications, given the exponential growth of users of this type of technology, testing professionals are frequently required to invest time in studying testing tools, in particular, because nowadays, several different tools are available. A variety of tools makes it difficult for testing professionals to choose the one that best fits their goals and supports them in their work. In this sense, we conducted a comparative analysis among five open-source tools for mobile testing: Appium, Robotium, Espresso, Frank, and EarGrey. We used the documentary analysis method to explore the official documentation of each above-cited tool and developed various comparisons based on technical criteria reported in the literature about characteristics that mobile testing tools should have. Our findings are expected to help practitioners understand several aspects of mobile testing tools.

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arXiv2023

The Perspective of Software Professionals on Algorithmic Racism

Context. Algorithmic racism is the term used to describe the behavior of technological solutions that constrains users based on their ethnicity. Lately, various data-driven software systems have been reported to discriminate against Black people, either for the use of biased data sets or due to the prejudice propagated by software professionals in their code. As a result, Black people are experiencing disadvantages in accessing technology-based services, such as housing, banking, and law enforcement. Goal. This study aims to explore algorithmic racism from the perspective of software professionals. Method. A survey questionnaire was applied to explore the understanding of software practitioners on algorithmic racism, and data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and coding techniques. Results. We obtained answers from a sample of 73 software professionals discussing their understanding and perspectives on algorithmic racism in software development. Our results demonstrate that the effects of algorithmic racism are well-known among practitioners. However, there is no consensus on how the problem can be effectively addressed in software engineering. In this paper, some solutions to the problem are proposed based on the professionals' narratives. Conclusion. Combining technical and social strategies, including training on structural racism for software professionals, is the most promising way to address the algorithmic racism problem and its effects on the software solutions delivered to our society.

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arXiv2023

Benefits and Limitations of Remote Work to LGBTQIA+ Software Professionals

Background. The mass transition to remote work amid the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected software professionals, who abruptly shifted into ostensibly temporary home offices. The effects of this transition on these professionals are complex, depending on the particularities of the context and individuals. Recent studies advocate for remote structures to create opportunities for many equity-deserving groups; however, remote work can also be challenging for some individuals, such as women and individuals with disabilities. Objective. This study aims to investigate the effects of remote work on LGBTQIA+ software professionals. Method. Grounded theory methodology was applied based on information collected from two main sources: a survey questionnaire with a sample of 57 LGBTQIA+ software professionals and nine follow-up interviews with individuals from this sample. This sample included professionals of different genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and levels of experience. Findings. Our findings demonstrate that (1) remote work benefits LGBTQIA+ people by increasing security and visibility; (2) remote work harms LGBTQIA+ software professionals through isolation and invisibility; (3) the benefits outweigh the drawbacks; (4) the drawbacks can be mitigated by supportive measures developed by software companies. Conclusion. This paper investigated how remote work can affect LGBTQIA+ software professionals and presented a set of recommendations on how software companies can address the benefits and limitations associated with this work model. In summary, we concluded that remote work is crucial in increasing diversity and inclusion in the software industry.

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arXiv2023

Diversity in Software Engineering: A Survey about Scientists from Underrepresented Groups

Technology plays a crucial role in people's lives. However, software engineering discriminates against individuals from underrepresented groups in several ways, either through algorithms that produce biased outcomes or for the lack of diversity and inclusion in software development environments and academic courses focused on technology. This reality contradicts the history of software engineering, which is filled with outstanding scientists from underrepresented groups who changed the world with their contributions to the field. Ada Lovelace, Alan Turing, and Clarence Ellis are only some individuals who made significant breakthroughs in the area and belonged to the population that is so underrepresented in undergraduate courses and the software industry. Previous research discusses that women, LGBTQIA+ people, and non-white individuals are examples of students who often feel unwelcome and ostracized in software engineering. However, do they know about the remarkable scientists that came before them and that share background similarities with them? Can we use these scientists as role models to motivate these students to continue pursuing a career in software engineering? In this study, we present the preliminary results of a survey with 128 undergraduate students about this topic. Our findings demonstrate that students' knowledge of computer scientists from underrepresented groups is limited. This creates opportunities for investigations on fostering diversity in software engineering courses using strategies exploring computer science's history.

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arXiv2023

What do Transgender Software Professionals say about a Career in the Software Industry?

Diversity is an essential aspect of software development because technology influences almost every aspect of modern society, and if the software industry lacks diversity, software products might unintentionally constrain groups of individuals instead of promoting an equalitarian experience to all. In this study, we investigate the perspectives of transgender software professionals about a career in software engineering as one of the aspects of diversity in the software industry. Our findings demonstrate that, on the one hand, trans people choose careers in software engineering for two primary reasons: a) even though software development environments are not exempt from discrimination, the software industry is safer than other industries for transgenders; b) trans people occasionally have to deal with gender dysphoria, anxiety, and fear of judgment, and the work flexibility offered by software companies allow them to cope with these issues more efficiently.

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arXiv2023

LGBTQIA+ (In)Visibility in Computer Science and Software Engineering Education

Modern society is diverse, multicultural, and multifaceted. Because of these characteristics, we are currently observing an increase in the debates about equity, diversity, and inclusion in different areas, especially because several groups of individuals are underrepresented in many environments. In computer science and software engineering, it seems counter-intuitive that these areas, which are responsible for creating technological solutions and systems for billions of users around the world, do not reflect the diversity of the society to which it serves. In trying to solve this diversity crisis in the software industry, researchers started to investigate strategies that can be applied to increase diversity and improve inclusion in academia and the software industry. However, the lack of diversity in computer science and related courses, including software engineering, is still a problem, in particular when some specific groups are considered. LGBTQIA+ students, for instance, face several challenges to fit into technology courses, even though most students in universities right now belong to Generation Z, which is described as open-minded to aspects of gender and sexuality. In this study, we aimed to discuss the state-of-art of publications about the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ students in computer science education. Using a mapping study, we identified eight studies published in the past six years that focused on this public. We present strategies developed to adapt curricula and lectures to be more inclusive to LGBTQIA+ students and discuss challenges and opportunities for future research

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arXiv2023

Post-pandemic Resilience of Hybrid Software Teams

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a widespread transition to hybrid work models (combinations of co-located and remote work) as software professionals' demanded more flexibility and improved work-life balance. However, hybrid work models reduce the spontaneous, informal face-to-face interactions that promote group maturation, cohesion, and resilience. Little is known about how software companies can successfully transition to a hybrid workforce or the factors that influence the resilience of hybrid software development teams. Goal. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between hybrid work and team resilience in the context of software development. Method. Constructivist Grounded Theory was used, based on interviews of 26 software professionals. This sample included professionals of different genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and levels of experience. Interviewees came from eight different companies, 22 different projects, and four different countries. Consistent with grounded theory methodology, data collection, and analysis were conducted iteratively, in waves, using theoretical sampling, constant comparison, and initial, focused, and theoretical coding. Results. Software Team Resilience is the ability of a group of software professionals to continue working together effectively under adverse conditions. Resilience depends on the group's maturity. The configuration of a hybrid team (who works where and when) can promote or hinder group maturity depending on the level of intra-group interaction it supports. Conclusion. This paper presents the first study on the resilience of hybrid software teams. Software teams need resilience to maintain their performance in the face of disruptions and crises. Software professionals strongly value hybrid work; therefore, team resilience is a key factor to be considered in the software industry.

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