Exploring Programmers' API Learning Processes: Collecting Web Resources as External Memory
| Autor: | Michelle Ichinco, Gao Gao, Caitlin Kelleher, Finn Voichick |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2020 |
| Předmět: |
Application programming interface
Computer science Exploratory research 020207 software engineering Information needs 02 engineering and technology Information foraging World Wide Web 020204 information systems 0202 electrical engineering electronic engineering information engineering Web resource Auxiliary memory Cognitive load Coding (social sciences) |
| Zdroj: | VL/HCC |
| Popis: | Modern programming frequently requires the use of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). Yet many programmers struggle when trying to learn APIs. We ran an exploratory study in which we observed participants performing an API learning task. We analyze their processes using a proposed model of API learning, grounded in Cognitive Load Theory, Information Foraging Theory, and External Memory research. The results provide support for the model of API Learning and add new insights into the form and usage of external memory while learning APIs. Programmers quickly curated a set of API resources through Information Foraging which served as external memory and then primarily referred to these resources to meet information needs while coding. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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