Types Of Software Metrics

Different types of software metrics provide different insights into the code that have been written by the developer. It is essential to understand the code in an efficient way to make sure that the program is functioning to its maximum potential. Software testing is gaining much acclamation in recent times. Use of software metrics is growing across different platform of software development. Provided below is the list of different software metrics that play a major role in improving the quality of software development.

1. Code quality metrics

Code quality metrics, part of types of software metrics is subdivided into four categories.

a. Symbol coverage

In this specific type of quality metric, it is possible for the developer or the testing engineer to measure the sequence of points that have been executed with perfection. A sequence point is a code in the debugger displayed by visual studio.

b. Method coverage

In this specific type of quality testing, it is possible for the testing engineer to measure the number of methods that have been executed. Method coverage provides high-level overview of the project and its functioning.

c. Branch coverage

In this specific type of quality testing, testing engineer gains the ability to measure the basic blocks educated in the flowchart of all the methods. Every method is analysed and broken into number of sections. It starts with a leaner execution for every new section and ends with a conditional statement. Each block is executed as soon as the last statement has been executed.

d. Cyclomatic complexity

Cyclomatic types of software metrics measure the intrinsic involvedness of a precise system. There is a possibility to combine several linearly independent paths to form a possible path, as most of the paths are smaller in number.

2. Defect metrics

Defect types of software metrics are a straightforward method, which defines the rate of defects present in specific software for a lifetime or for a specific life cycle. This specific metric is useful in calculating the total number of defects available for specific opportunities for error. These are calculated for a specific timeframe. This makes it easy for the developer to come across the defects and the possible causes in the software. For example, an operating system usually requires four years to come out with 94% of defects.

3. Process metrics

Process types of software metrics play an important role during the development of software. The use and practices of the process metric differs from one developer to another. It is often referred to as in process inspection and makes it easy for the developer to carry out the testing at different stages of development of the software. Defect density during mission testing, defect arrival pattern during mission testing, face based defect removal pattern, and defect removal effectiveness of the different sub processes available in the process metric to carry out or evaluate the defects present in software at different stages of development.

These are some major types of software metrics that an individual must remember. One can easily find in-depth information regarding these types simply by preferring the books or doing research on the internet.