On multi-language software development, cross-language links and accompanying tools: a survey of professional software developers

Abstract

Context

Non-trivial software systems are written using multiple (programming) languages, which are connected by cross-language links. The existence of such links may lead to various problems during software development. There is little empirical evidence on the incidence of these problems and the experiences of professional developers in this field.;

Aim

We want to provide empirical evidence on multi-language software development, cross-language linking, and tool support in industry, including the views of professional developers on benefits and problems in these areas.;

Methods

We conducted a survey study to gather responses from 139 professional software developers.;