The Use of Complexity Metrics Throughout the Software Lifecycle

Abstract

, Actas de 22nd Symposium on the Interface of Computing Science and Statistics, pp. 259-65, East Lancing, MI, EUA, 16-19 May 1990; Springer-Verlag, New York, NY, EUA, 1992, ISBN: 0 387 97719 8. Abstract: Software metrics attempt to uncover difficult or complex components of a software system. The hypothesis is that complex components are more difficult to understand, hence they are hard to maintain and more prone to error. Discovery of these complex components can aid the software developer in (1) selection of which components to redesign, (2) direct the testing effort and (3) give an indication of the maintenance effort required. The results of previous research motivated the authors to develop a methodology which uses complexity metrics throughout the software life cycle. Programmer productivity may be increased and software development cost m