The partial metrics system: A tool to support the metrics-driven design of pseudocode programs

Abstract

This paper describes a software tool, the partial metrics system (PMS), that supports the metrics-driven design of pseudocode program modules. Although this is a generic approach that is language independent, we illustrate its application using Ada as the target language. Each new refinement of a psuedocode program is assessed in terms of a set of partial metrics. These metrics are extensions of Halstead's Software Science, McCabe's Cyclomatic Complexity, and others. It is then demonstrated how these metrics can drive the design process for an individual module. Heuristics are suggested that can allow the programmer to make use of these metrics in order to produce improved designs.