This book describes methods for effectively updating a software system and introduces some of the theoretical studies on software updates and maintenance. It focuses on results from software engineering and programming languages that contribute to two closely related aspects of software development and maintenance: merging and slicing.

The papers in this text describe emerging models and methods that guarantee the semantic integrity of change merging in a variety of contexts. Also, they address some of the related issues for controlling software evolution and coordinating teamwork. The book shows how formal methods from a broad range of areas can potentially help software maintenance by providing reliable computer aid. This volume provides an overview of current results and directions in this relatively new area of software engineering.

It will be useful to software engineers who want to stay on top of emerging trends or who are concerned with developing new and improved computer-aided software engineering tools.