Rule-based fuzzy model for reusability measurement of a software component

Component-based software development (CBSD) is a reuse-based approach that promotes composing of loosely coupled components in to software systems. The CBSD reduces the efforts, cost and complexity significantly and positively influences quality of system. The reusability of such components is thus a significant factor to measure. This paper presents a reusability metric having five sub metrics for reusability measurement of a software component. The reusability metric incorporates five key aspects: coupling, interface complexity, understandability, customisability and reliability. To automate the reusability measurement of a CBS, a rule-based fuzzy model has been developed. For this model, a set of rules have been defined as a rule base. Using this model, the reusability of a majority of software components can be measured.