A Comprehensive Metric for Evaluating Object-Oriented Software Complexity
H. A. N. N. Thathsarani, J. H. Aluthwaththage · 2024
This paper introduces the Aggregated Complexity Index (ACI) metric, a novel metric designed to address the challenge of accurately measuring complexity in object-oriented programs. The ACI metric integrates six key factors—nesting level of control structures, type of control structures, try-catch blocks, pointers, threads, and dynamic memory allocation—each critical to object-oriented programming and directly impacting code maintainability and readability. The method involves a structured weighting system that quantifies the cognitive load imposed by these factors. The metric was validated through practical application in a sample program, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying complex code segments. The results highlight the ACI metric’s utility in enhancing software quality by guiding refactoring efforts and optimizing code management. The study concludes that the ACI metric is a valuable addition to the software engineering toolkit, offering a comprehensive approach to managing software complexity in modern development environment.