A metrics is a measurement of the level that any impute belongs to a system product or process. There are 4 functions related to software metrics:
· Planning
· Organizing
· Controlling
· Improving
Characteristics of software Metrics:
· Quantitative: Metrics must possess quantitative nature. It means metrics can be expressed in values.
· Understandable: Metric computation should be easily understood ,the method of computing metric should be clearly defined.
· Applicability: Metrics should be applicable in the initial phases of development of the software.
· Repeatable: The metric values should be same when measured repeatedly and consistent in nature.
· Economical: Computation of metric should be economical.
· Language Independent: Metrics should not depend on any programming language.
Classification of Software Metrics:
There are 3 types of software metrics:
Product Metrics:
· Product metrics are used to evaluate the state of the product, tracing risks and undercovering prospective problem areas. The ability of team to control quality is evaluated.
Process Metrics:
· Process metrics pay particular attention on enhancing the long term process of the team or organization.
Project Metrics:
· Project matrix is describes the project characteristic and execution process.
o Number of software developer
o Staffing pattern over the life cycle of software
o Cost and schedule
o Productivity
