Previous work shows that DQIs are an elegant and powerful interface to small databases. Unfortunately, when applied to large databases, previous DQI algorithms slow to a crawl. We present a new incremental approach to DQI algorithms and display updates that works well with large databases, both in theory and in practice. This paper describes the SHriMP visualization technique for seamlessly exploring software structure and browsing source code, with a focus on effectively assisting hybrid program comprehension strategies. The fisheye-view approach handles multiple focal points, which are necessary when examining several subsystems and their mutual interconnections.
Source code is presented by embedding code fragments within the nodes of the nested graph.
Finer connections among these fragments are represented by a network that is navigated using a hypertext link-following metaphor. SHriMP combines this hypertext metaphor with animated panning and zooming motions over the nested graph to provide continuous orientation and contextual cues for the user. The SHriMP tool is currently being evaluated in several user studies. Observations of users performing program understanding tasks with the tool are discussed.