Software Engineering Essentials: Metrics, Models, and Design Principles

Posted on May 5, 2024 in Other subjects

Software Metrics

Function Point Metrics

Function Point Metrics measure software size and complexity based on user functionality. It considers inputs, outputs, inquiries, files, and interfaces, providing a standardized way to assess size, effort, cost, and schedule.

Lines of Code (LOC) Metrics

LOC Metrics measure software size by counting lines of code. While simple, LOC may not reflect complexity or quality, as different languages and styles influence counts.

Software Cost and Effort Estimation

COCOMO Model

The COCOMO model estimates software project cost and effort. It offers three levels: Basic (size-based), Intermediate (considers complexity and team experience), and Detailed (comprehensive analysis).

Software Development Decisions

Make vs. Buy Decision

Businesses decide whether to develop software in-house (Make) or purchase it (Buy), considering factors like cost, control, expertise, and risk.

Analysis and Design Principles

Analysis Model Principles

These principles guide effective analysis model design, including abstraction, clarity, modularity, completeness, and consistency.

Project Management Tools

Management Indicators

Metrics like financial, operational, customer satisfaction, employee performance, and quality indicators help evaluate organizational performance.

Timeline Charts (Gantt Charts)

Visual tools for representing project schedules, resource allocation, progress tracking, stakeholder communication, and dependency management.

Software Design Concepts

Partitioning and Modularity

Partitioning breaks down complex systems into manageable parts for scalability and concurrency. Modularity promotes encapsulation, code organization, and dependency management.

Cost Estimation Techniques

Methods like analogous estimating, parametric estimating, bottom-up estimating, three-point estimating (PERT), and expert judgment help predict project expenses.

Software Development Methodologies

Extreme Programming (XP)

XP emphasizes customer satisfaction, frequent testing, collaboration, and adaptability to changing requirements.

Software Testing

Cyclomatic Complexity

A metric measuring program control flow complexity, indicating potential testing effort.

Function Point vs. Lines of Code

Function points focus on functionality, while LOC measures code size.

Test Case Design Example: Login Page

Test cases cover valid/invalid credentials, empty fields, and expected outcomes.

Quality Management

Six Sigma Approach

A data-driven methodology for process improvement and defect reduction, using the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) framework.