Identification and Measurement of Self-Technical Debt in Deep Learning Frameworks: A Systematic Review

Keywords: Deep learning, deep learning tools, technical debt, types of technical debt, technical debt measurement

Abstract

Technical Debt in software development refers to the consequences of decisions prioritizing quick solutions over optimal ones. This concept, introduced by Ward Cunningham in 1992, has been widely studied to improve software quality. In the context of deep learning, Technical Debt is also present due to the use of tools that, while facilitating model creation, may generate debt and negatively impact performance.

Through a three-phase process, this study presents a systematic literature review to identify the types of Technical Debt found in deep learning tools and the techniques used for its identification and measurement. The reviewed studies show that Technical Debt can arise in various development phases, such as design, requirements definition, testing, documentation, source code, algorithms, and compatibility. Other affected aspects include data, models, knowledge, and infrastructure. Several approaches have been used to identify technical debt, such as analyzing comments in static code, pull requests, and commits, applying manual techniques, text mining, neural networks, and natural language processing algorithms. In terms of measurement, statistical methods are predominantly used.

The findings of this review provide a better understanding of how Technical Debt impacts deep learning tools and offer a foundation for guiding future research on its management and mitigation in the development of systems within intelligent environments.

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Author Biographies

Elizabeth Cuatecontzi Cuahutle, Instituto Tecnológico de Apizaco

Graduate in Computer Science from the Apizaco Institute of Technology. Master's degree in Software Engineering Management from the Institute of University Studies. Full-time professor in the Department of Systems and Computing at the National Institute of Technology of Mexico, Apizaco Campus. Member of the board of the Master's in Computer Systems at the TecNM Apizaco Campus. Currently pursuing doctoral studies in the Doctorate in Engineering Sciences program.

María Guadalupe Medina Barrera, Instituto Tecnológico de Apizaco

Research Professor of the PhD in Engineering Science in the Division of Graduate Studies and Research

Tecnológico Nacional de México - Instituto Tecnológico de Apizaco Tlaxcala, México. 

She is a PhD in Strategic Planning and Technology Management from the Popular Autonomous University of the State of Puebla (UPAEP). She earned a Master's degree in Computer Science from the National Center for Technological Research and Development (CENIDET) and a Bachelor's in Computer Science from the Technological Institute of Tepic. She is currently a candidate for the National System of Researchers of CONAHCYT (National Council for Scientific Research of the Autonomous University of Puebla). She is also recognized for her Desirable Profile and as a member of the Information Systems faculty, both recognized by PRODEP in Mexico

Raúl Cortés Maldonado, Instituto Tecnológico de Apizaco

Professor and Researcher in the Graduate Studies and Research Division of the National Institute of Technology of Mexico-Apizaco Technological Institute. He holds a PhD in Physics from the Distinguished Autonomous University of Puebla, Mexico. He holds a Master's degree in Physics and Science. He is currently a Level 1 National Researcher recognized by CONAHCYT (National Council of Experts on Science and Technology), and holds PRODEP recognition in Mexico.

Carlos Eduardo Bueno Avendaño, Instituto Tecnológico de Apizaco

Docente Investigador en la división de estudios de Posgrado e Investigación del Tecnológico Nacional de México-Instituto Técnológico de Apizaco.

Tiene el Doctorado en Dispositivos Semiconductores por la Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, México. Es maestro enEN CIENCIAS (FÍSICA), actualmente es Investigador Nacional Nivel 1 reconocido por el CONAHCYT, cuenta con el reconocimiento perfil deseable PRODEP en México.

References

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Received: 2025-04-29
Accepted: 2025-06-13
Published: 2025-09-30
How to Cite
[1]
E. Cuatecontzi Cuahutle, M. G. Medina Barrera, R. Cortés Maldonado, and C. E. Bueno Avendaño, “Identification and Measurement of Self-Technical Debt in Deep Learning Frameworks: A Systematic Review”, Innov. softw., vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 171-191, Sep. 2025.
Section
Review papers

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