Abstract

There are several proposals to build models feature either semi-automatic or fully automatic in the field of Software Product Lines. Unfortunately, there is no clarity on the common elements, their main differences and elements that characterize these proposals. The wide variety of terms used to refer to the process of building a feature model (e.g. synthesis, location, re engineering) makes the proposals are varied and very heterogeneous, which makes it complex to understand and classify them. This paper introduces a conceptual framework for classifying and comparing proposals related to the construction of feature models by semi-automatic or fully automatic means. The proposal considers six dimensions mainly focused on characterizing the input sources, methods and techniques, the results and the type of evaluation. The conceptual framework provides guidance to researchers for choosing the appropriate aspects to build feature models and helps to understand and clarify the various approaches proposed in the literature.