Problems with software complexity measurement
Robert L. Sedlmeyer, Joseph K. Kearney, William B. Thompson, Michael A. Adler, Michael Gray · 1985
Theoretical and methodological problems in the development of program-based measures of software complexity are enumerated. Three issues are analyzed: the potential confounding influence of non-program factors; the desirable features of complexity measures, and the difficulties in validating complexity measures. The analysis suggests that researchers must find ways to control the effects of non-program factors, perhaps by restricting their focus to a well-defined programming environment. Further, both the designers and users of complexity measures must be aware of the inherent limitations of such tools.