Software Metrics (cat flame > /dev/null)

Don Y · 2011-07-11T21:30:43+00:00

Hi,The subject of "software metrics" has limped across my desk.I don't dislike metrics for what they may show/fail-to-show.But, rather, because they usually don't have a stated "purpose".I.e., What are you trying to measure? Why are you trying tomeasure it? What do you plan to do with the result (besidesput it in a 3-ring notebook)?I can argue many points *against* the (seemingly arbitrary)point of tracking metrics... but, I'd rather approach thisfrom the *other* side of the fence: defining *realistic*goals to which metrics can serve as VALUABLE insights, theappropriate metric(s) to use to measure progress towards/awaythat goal, and the ACKNOWLEDGED shortcomings inherent in aparticular measurement strategy.E.g., you can use metrics to measure productivity, complexity,reliability, maintainability, cost, completion, etc. But, oftenyou only get a snapshot of *one* of these -- at the expense ofall the *others*.So, rather than arguing on N "fronts" (and appearing "obstructionist"),what guidance (firsthand experience!) can folks offer to bend thedebate into one that will produce meaningful results (instead ofjust "pages of numbers")?Thx,--don

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Paul E. Bennett 15 years ago

There is a reasonably simple correlation of Words to FP; fortunately.

That one is not me. I have never attempted riding a unicycle.

I shall see what I can do in pointing you at the right publication or send a pdf of the original if not.

******************************************************************** Paul E. Bennett............... Forth based HIDECS Consultancy Mob: +44 (0)7811-639972 Tel: +44 (0)1235-510979 Going Forth Safely ..... EBA. www.electric-boat-association.org.uk.. ********************************************************************

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Paul E. Bennett 15 years ago

The proceedings of the February 1988 Safety Systems Symposium, published by Springer-Verlag carries my paper entitled:-

"Small Modules as Configuration Items in Certified Safety Critical Systems"

The process is only a part of the paper and is very briefly explained.

Maybe you could still get a copy from if they have any left. refers to the specific book.

******************************************************************** Paul E. Bennett............... Forth based HIDECS Consultancy Mob: +44 (0)7811-639972 Tel: +44 (0)1235-510979 Going Forth Safely ..... EBA. www.electric-boat-association.org.uk.. ********************************************************************

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Don Y 15 years ago

I'll stop by the local library Wednesday (tomorrow is my "pro bono" day so I'll be too busy) and have them chase down a copy for me. Usually, they are pretty good at finding things for me (at times, I wonder if I am the *only* patron that taunts them with these requests! :> )

Thanks!

--don

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Paul E. Bennett 15 years ago

Let me know how you get on.

******************************************************************** Paul E. Bennett............... Forth based HIDECS Consultancy Mob: +44 (0)7811-639972 Tel: +44 (0)1235-510979 Going Forth Safely ..... EBA. www.electric-boat-association.org.uk.. ********************************************************************

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Don Y 15 years ago

Will do. It usually takes a while for them to fulfill requests as the sorts of things I ask for tend to have to be "fetched" from other libraries across the nation. But, sooner or later, things find their way back to me (often reminding me of something I may have forgotten months earlier! :> )

Thx!

--don

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Software Metrics (cat flame > /dev/null)

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