Software metrics

Software Metrics explains how software measurement can be used to support software process improvement by providing objective methods of characterizing process capability and evaluating the effect of process changes. The author explains what is meant by software measurement and how to decide what to measure; how to use measurement to support different aspects of a process improvement programme; how to set quantitative goals using a pragmatic approach to the Goal-Question-Metric paradigm; how to set up a metrication programme and design a data collection system; and how to analyse the software data collected. Further, the author provides insight into how software measurement can act as a process improvement agent for quality control and software estimating. This book sets out an approach to the formal validation of measures and the theory of statistical data analysis for students. It also contains, for practitioners, many examples of the use of real data in real projects.