Work

Understanding Code Semantics: An Evaluation of Transformer Models in Summarization

Year: 2023
Type: preprint
Abstract: This paper delves into the intricacies of code summarization using advanced transformer-based language models. Through empirical studies, we evaluate the efficacy of code summarization by altering function and variable names to explore whether models truly understand code semantics or merely rely on textual cues. We have also introduced adversaries like dead code and commented code across three programming languages (Python, Javascript, and Java) to further scrutinize the model's understanding. Ultimately, our research aims to offer valuable insights into the inner workings of transformer-based LMs, enhancing their ability to understand code and contributing to more efficient software development practices and maintenance workflows.
Authors: Mondal, Debanjan, Lodha, Abhilasha, Sahoo, Ankita, Kumari, Beena
Language: English
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4387963772
Cites:
Cited by: 2
Related to: 10