Software Process Quality Metrics

Software quality metrics are quantitative measures of the attributes of a software system as a product and also in its development and operative processes. Measures are based on relevant collected data related to these attributes. This chapter discusses software process metrics that are classified into four classes: software development process quality metrics, software operation process quality metrics, software maintenance process quality metrics and management process quality metrics. Software maintenance activities include corrective maintenance, adaptive maintenance and functional improvement maintenance. The unique obstacles in the application of software quality metrics, such as comparing performances for managerial use, are rooted in the attributes measured. As a result, most commonly used metrics suffer from low validity and limited comprehensiveness. The difficulties in applying software quality metrics, especially for decision-making in the context of software development are discussed.