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Position Papers of the 18th Conference on Computer Science and Intelligence Systems

Annals of Computer Science and Information Systems, Volume 36

Towards a Definition of Complex Software System

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15439/2023F2898

Citation: Position Papers of the 18th Conference on Computer Science and Intelligence Systems, M. Ganzha, L. Maciaszek, M. Paprzycki, D. Ślęzak (eds). ACSIS, Vol. 36, pages 119–126 ()

Full text

Abstract. Complex Systems were identified and studied in different fields, such as physics, biology, and economics. These systems exhibit exciting properties such as self-organization, robust order, and emergence. In recent years, software sys- tems displaying behaviors associated with Complex Systems are starting to appear, and these behaviors are showing previously unknown potential (e.g., GPT-based applications). Yet, there is no commonly shared definition of a Complex Software System that can serve as a key reference for academia to support research in the area. In this paper, we adopt the theory-to-research strategy to extract properties of Complex Systems from research in other fields, mapping them to software systems to create a formal definition of a Complex Software System. We support the evolution of the properties through future validation, and we provide examples of the application of the definition. Overall, the definition will allow for a more precise, consistent, and rigorous frame of reference for conducting scientific research on software systems.

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