Software Metrics

The first section defines exactly what I mean by the term ?Software Metrics? and introduces the reader to the domain of Software Metrics by discussing the need for a measurement-based approach to the management of software engineering. This first section then, for reasons which will become obvious, looks at a particular measurement technique ? Function Point Analysis ? before discussing specific areas of application for Software Metrics.The second section is really the core of the book. This section describes an approach to the development and implementation of Software Metrics initiatives. Essentially, the approach centers around a model that breaks the work into a number of stages. This division of labor into phases is, of course, nothing more than the way in which most successful projects are handled; it is what makes up those stages that I hope will be found beneficial.The third section is a collection of chapters that belong in this book, but do not sit naturally in either of the other two sections. Here we visit the topics that seem to be generating discussion today and we will also look at some topics that may be key issues in the near future. Appendices and references are also provided.