Replacement of data element in a graph

Abstract

The generation and/or use of a hierarchical structure of model elements such as those that might be portions of a computer program. If it is determined that if a particular one of the model elements should be changed from one model element type to another model element type, that change is automatically made. The determination of whether the change should be made may be based on monitoring of actual behavior of the software program. The determination might alternatively be made based on expressed gestures of an author using an authoring program that visualizes the hierarchical structure of model elements.