Software measurement methods: an evaluation and perspective

Abstract

Measurement is a much advocated, yet infrequently applied technique of software engineering. A major contributory factor to this state of affairs is that the majority of software metrics are developed, collected and applied in a haphazard fashion. The result is metrics that frequently are poorly formulated, inappropriate to the specific needs and environment of the using organisation and hard to analyse once collected. Over recent years a number of measurement methods-frameworks for developing and applying metrics-have been proposed and used to rectify this state of affairs. This paper describes and evaluates these various methods, identifies strengths and weaknesses leading to an agenda of further work. The requirements of a new measurement method are proposed and emphasises increased application of measurement within context of software development processes.<>