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Metrics are measurements, collections of data about project activities, resources and deliverables. Metrics can be used to help estimate projects, measure project progress and performance, and quantify product attributes. Examples include:

• product metrics, e.g., number of lines of code in a product, number of requirements in an SRS
• software development resource metrics, e.g., number of people working on a project
• software development process metrics, e.g., number of lines of code inspected

8-Step Metrics Program

• An Introduction to Metrics
• A Metrics Program in Eight Easy Steps
• Glossary
• Step 1: Document the Software Process
• Step 2: State the Goals
• Step 3: Define Metrics Required to Reach Goals
• Step 4: Identify Data to Collect
• Step 5: Define Data Collection Process
• Step 6: Assemble a Metrics Toolset
• Step 7: Create a Metrics Database
• Step 8: Define the Feedback Mechanism
• Example of a Metrics Program
• Software Estimation
• Using a Metrics Program
• Metrics Formulas

Software Estimation Resources

• Estimation & project planning

Recommended Links

• A list of software metrics sites on the web

Recommended Reading

• Applied Software Measurement: Assuring Productivity and Quality by Capers Jones, McGraw-Hill, 1996
• Software Metrics: Measurement for Software Process Improvement by BA Kitchenham, Blackwell Pub, 1996

From SPC's Newsletter

• Starting to Measure by Jim Brosseau

Related Topics

• Software Project Estimation

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