Strength and coupling metrics of software structure
Richard Paul Ejzak · 1984
Detailed definitions of metrics for module strength and coupling at the code and design level are presented. These metric definitions are approximations of the heuristic definitions of module strength and coupling as found in the literature on Structured Design. They are designed to help estimate those qualities of software structure which affect the amount of effort required during program modifications. A software tool has been implemented which calculates the metric values for programs written in the DEC VAX/11 PASCAL language. Some small-scale software experiments have been performed to refine and partially validate the metrics. These metrics should have a number of useful applications. Module strength and coupling appear to be significant factors affecting the modifiability and reusability of computer programs and should be important elements of future metrics for modifiability and reusability. Metrics for these important structural attributes should improve the visibility of software structure and provide an objective means for programmers to choose between alternate solutions to the same problem.