SELECTION OF SOFTWARE ENGG. METRICS USING DISTANCE BASED APPROACH

Abstract

It is very important to select and use appropriate software metrics in software engineering. This assertion proposes a framework for selecting software engineering metrics based on Distance Based Approach (DBA) and expert judgment. Selection criteria and the metrics for selection are identified. In each development phase, the grading of metrics according to every criterion are given by experts qualitatively, and then analysed synthetically to calculate the weights of metrics using DBA. Tools and techniques for software engineering metrics selection found in the literature cannot be used with high confidence as they use a limited number of selection criteria, we used a deterministic quantitative rank criteria based on a distance based approach (DBA) method, and then applied it for evaluation, optimal selection, and selection of software engineering metrics. DBA recognizes the need for relative importance of criteria for a given application, without which inter-criterion comparison could not be accomplished. A preliminary application is practised, and the metrics whose weights are highly ranked are recommended and analysed. The method studied in this assertion can be used to select appropriate metrics correctly, stably and systemically. Furthermore, the final selection results are accordant with engineering experience, and using the metrics recommended will make software metrics evaluation more reliable and effective. The metrics lend themselves to mechanical manipulations and are useful for analysing and deriving systems functions expeditiously to meet the objectives. A set of selection criteria were identified, it successfully presents the results in terms of a merit value which is used to rank the Software engineering metrics.