AI and NLP Transform Software Requirements Engineering

By Dr Silpaja Chandrasekar, PhDReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Jun 3 2024

In a paper published in the journal Electronics, researchers reviewed various scholarly articles and reports examining the integration of natural language processing (NLP) in software requirements engineering (SRE) from 1991 to 2023.

The study highlighted how advanced computational techniques such as machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and large language models (LLM) enhanced and automated SRE tasks using quantitative tools like keyword trend examination and qualitative content analysis.

The findings underscored the increasing complexity of software systems and the potential of these technologies to improve the accuracy and efficiency of requirement engineering while also addressing the challenges of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and NLP into existing workflows.

Exploring NLP and AI in SRE

This systematic literature review (SLR) methodically identified, assessed, and synthesized studies on applying NLP and AI in SRE from 1991 to 2023. Guided by four research questions, the review followed preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, using inclusion and exclusion criteria to select relevant studies from databases such as Scopus, Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Xplore, Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) digital library, and Clarivate.

Influenced by foundational work in the field, the review employed tools like Zotero for data management and biblioshiny for thematic mapping, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of trends, authorship patterns, and thematic evolutions. The review encompassed 309 documents, highlighting the role of NLP in enhancing SRE processes and the integration challenges of AI technologies.

Through quantitative and qualitative analyses, including trend and co-occurrence network analysis, the study provided a holistic view of the field's evolution, identifying key themes, influential works, and future research directions.

NLP in SRE: Analysis

A comprehensive analytical framework was employed to unravel the evolving landscape of this interdisciplinary field in a systematic exploration of NLP applications within SRE. The results section presents the outcomes of a rigorous analysis, leveraging various key techniques. These techniques include trend analysis, citation landscape examination, thematic map analysis, and cluster-based analysis, each offering unique insights into the development and dynamics of NLP in SRE.

The trend analysis unveils the temporal evolution of NLP in SRE, delineating shifts in research focus and the emergence of new technologies over distinct periods. From foundational stages marked by mathematical models to contemporary trends dominated by cutting-edge AI technologies like deep learning, the analysis offers a longitudinal perspective on the field's progression.

Furthermore, the citation landscape analysis provides insights into the interconnections and impacts of seminal papers within the domain, highlighting key themes such as enhancing clarity in software requirements, evolving methods in requirement engineering, the emergence of automated UML diagram generation, and broadening the scope of NLP applications. These trends underscore the pivotal role of NLP in addressing diverse challenges in software development processes.

Thematic map analysis visually represents the interconnectedness of research themes, offering insights into the relative importance and interplay between various topics within the NLP and SRE nexus. The clusters identified in the thematic map, ranging from natural language processing systems to learning algorithms and automation, reflect the diverse yet interconnected nature of research in this domain, guiding future exploration and innovation efforts.

Lastly, the cluster-based analysis provides a detailed breakdown of significant studies within key thematic clusters, elucidating their contributions to different aspects of software engineering. By categorizing papers based on themes and techniques, this analysis offers a synthesized view of how NLP, coupled with advanced technologies like machine learning and AI, is reshaping methodologies and innovations in SRE, ultimately paving the way for future advancements in the field.

SRE Evolution: NLP Trends

The study delves into SRE's evolution and thematic trends within the context of NLP and AI technologies. By analyzing historical data and current trends, the research highlights a progressive shift from foundational linguistic studies to the integration of sophisticated AI systems. This evolution underscores the industry's growing reliance on NLP for more effective requirement gathering, analysis, and management, with recent years witnessing a pronounced focus on cutting-edge AI technologies like deep learning and language models.

The research outlines key themes in SRE addressed by NLP, highlighting automation and improving requirements quality. Automation, powered by NLP, streamlines tasks and boosts efficiency while enhancing requirements quality by leveraging AI and NLP tools to detect omissions and reduce ambiguities.

The study underscores challenges in integrating NLP and AI into SRE workflows. It explores future trends like deeper integration with AI, customization, multilingual NLP advancements, and empirical validation, aiming to overcome limitations and drive innovation in the field.

Conclusion

In summary, a comprehensive review of 309 documents from 1991 to 2023 highlights the burgeoning field at the intersection of NLP and AI with SRE. This evolution reveals a shift towards automation and precision in SRE tasks, aided by advanced machine learning and deep learning techniques.

Key themes include the automation of labor-intensive tasks, enhancement of requirements clarity and quality, adaptability in globally distributed development environments, and emphasis on empirical validation. Emerging trends such as multilingual processing, advancements in deep learning and large language models, and further automation promise innovative solutions and methodologies.