Cognitive complexity: A model for distributing equivalent programming problems

Abstract

Traditional distribution of programming problems seems to create dissatisfaction among students. To overcome this problem, complexity measurement of programming problems is necessary. Although software is the outcome of human ingenious activity, cognitive informatics plays a significant role in understanding its ultimate characteristics. In this article, we have proposed a software complexity measurement algorithm based on cognitive weight of basic control structure that shrink the limitations of existing measures. Cognitive weight concept of any basic control structure are morally based on the rational capacity of Human Brain. According to cognitive data, we have developed a new software tool using Java Standard Edition and MySQL to measure the cognitive complexity by following our developed algorithm. This software is structured and developed based on the outcome of our research data which is capable of determining the complexity value of several programming languages. This will assist the instructors allocating the problems among the learners by preserving the equivalent level of difficulty. Therefore, the developed complexity measurement tool will ensure the students to get problems with identical difficulty level for assessment.