Large Language Models for Software Engineering: A Systematic Literature Review

Fuente: arXiv
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Auteurs principaux: Hou, Xinyi, Zhao, Yanjie, Liu, Yue, Yang, Zhou, Wang, Kailong, Li, Li, Luo, Xiapu, Lo, David, Grundy, John, Wang, Haoyu
Format: Preprint
Publié: 2023
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author Hou, Xinyi
Zhao, Yanjie
Liu, Yue
Yang, Zhou
Wang, Kailong
Li, Li
Luo, Xiapu
Lo, David
Grundy, John
Wang, Haoyu
author_facet Hou, Xinyi
Zhao, Yanjie
Liu, Yue
Yang, Zhou
Wang, Kailong
Li, Li
Luo, Xiapu
Lo, David
Grundy, John
Wang, Haoyu
contents Large Language Models (LLMs) have significantly impacted numerous domains, including Software Engineering (SE). Many recent publications have explored LLMs applied to various SE tasks. Nevertheless, a comprehensive understanding of the application, effects, and possible limitations of LLMs on SE is still in its early stages. To bridge this gap, we conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) on LLM4SE, with a particular focus on understanding how LLMs can be exploited to optimize processes and outcomes. We select and analyze 395 research papers from January 2017 to January 2024 to answer four key research questions (RQs). In RQ1, we categorize different LLMs that have been employed in SE tasks, characterizing their distinctive features and uses. In RQ2, we analyze the methods used in data collection, preprocessing, and application, highlighting the role of well-curated datasets for successful LLM for SE implementation. RQ3 investigates the strategies employed to optimize and evaluate the performance of LLMs in SE. Finally, RQ4 examines the specific SE tasks where LLMs have shown success to date, illustrating their practical contributions to the field. From the answers to these RQs, we discuss the current state-of-the-art and trends, identifying gaps in existing research, and flagging promising areas for future study. Our artifacts are publicly available at https://github.com/xinyi-hou/LLM4SE_SLR.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2308_10620
institution arXiv
publishDate 2023
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Large Language Models for Software Engineering: A Systematic Literature Review
Hou, Xinyi
Zhao, Yanjie
Liu, Yue
Yang, Zhou
Wang, Kailong
Li, Li
Luo, Xiapu
Lo, David
Grundy, John
Wang, Haoyu
Software Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Large Language Models (LLMs) have significantly impacted numerous domains, including Software Engineering (SE). Many recent publications have explored LLMs applied to various SE tasks. Nevertheless, a comprehensive understanding of the application, effects, and possible limitations of LLMs on SE is still in its early stages. To bridge this gap, we conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) on LLM4SE, with a particular focus on understanding how LLMs can be exploited to optimize processes and outcomes. We select and analyze 395 research papers from January 2017 to January 2024 to answer four key research questions (RQs). In RQ1, we categorize different LLMs that have been employed in SE tasks, characterizing their distinctive features and uses. In RQ2, we analyze the methods used in data collection, preprocessing, and application, highlighting the role of well-curated datasets for successful LLM for SE implementation. RQ3 investigates the strategies employed to optimize and evaluate the performance of LLMs in SE. Finally, RQ4 examines the specific SE tasks where LLMs have shown success to date, illustrating their practical contributions to the field. From the answers to these RQs, we discuss the current state-of-the-art and trends, identifying gaps in existing research, and flagging promising areas for future study. Our artifacts are publicly available at https://github.com/xinyi-hou/LLM4SE_SLR.
title Large Language Models for Software Engineering: A Systematic Literature Review
topic Software Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2308.10620