Software Engineering Extended Function Point (EFP) Metrics is a method used to measure the size and complexity of a software project. It is an extension of the traditional Function Point (FP) metrics and provides a more comprehensive and accurate measure of a software system’s functionality.
Traditional Function Point Metrics
Traditional Function Point (FP) metrics have been widely used in the software industry to estimate the effort and cost required for software development projects. FP metrics are based on the concept of measuring the functionality provided by a software system, rather than the lines of code or the hardware resources used.
The traditional FP metrics consider factors such as inputs, outputs, inquiries, files, and interfaces to determine the size of a software system. These factors are assigned weights based on their complexity, and the total weighted value is calculated to determine the function points.
While traditional FP metrics provide a good measure of the functional size of a software system, they have certain limitations. They do not take into account non-functional requirements such as performance, security, and maintainability. Additionally, they do not capture the complexity of modern software systems that involve multiple technologies and platforms.
Extended Function Point Metrics
Software Engineering Extended Function Point (EFP) Metrics address the limitations of traditional FP metrics by incorporating additional factors that affect the size and complexity of a software system. EFP metrics consider both functional and non-functional requirements, providing a more comprehensive measure of a software system’s functionality.
EFP metrics include factors such as user experience, technology complexity, data complexity, and architectural complexity. These factors are assigned weights based on their impact on the overall size and complexity of the software system. The total weighted value is then calculated to determine the extended function points.
By considering non-functional requirements, EFP metrics provide a more accurate estimate of the effort and cost required for software development projects. They also help in identifying potential risks and challenges associated with the software system, allowing for better planning and resource allocation.
Benefits of EFP Metrics
Software Engineering Extended Function Point (EFP) Metrics offer several benefits over traditional FP metrics. They provide a more comprehensive measure of a software system’s functionality, taking into account both functional and non-functional requirements. This helps in better estimation of effort and cost, as well as in identifying potential risks and challenges.
EFP metrics also facilitate better decision making during the software development process. By providing a more accurate measure of the size and complexity of the software system, they help in prioritizing requirements, allocating resources, and managing project scope.
Furthermore, EFP metrics enable benchmarking and comparison of software projects. Organizations can use EFP metrics to compare the size and complexity of different software systems, identify best practices, and improve their software development processes.
In conclusion, Software Engineering Extended Function Point (EFP) Metrics is a valuable method for measuring the size and complexity of software projects. By considering both functional and non-functional requirements, EFP metrics provide a more accurate estimate of effort and cost, as well as facilitate better decision making and benchmarking.
In addition to considering the complexity of each element, the EFP metrics methodology also takes into account the impact of non-functional requirements on the software system. Non-functional requirements, such as performance, reliability, and security, can significantly affect the complexity and size of a software project.
For example, if a software system needs to handle a large volume of data and process it in real-time, this would increase the complexity and size of the system. Similarly, if the software system needs to be highly secure and protect sensitive user data, additional complexity would be added to the project.
The EFP metrics methodology also incorporates the concept of weighting factors, which assign different weights to each element based on their importance and impact on the overall system. This allows for a more accurate measurement of the complexity and size of the software system.
Furthermore, the EFP metrics methodology takes into account the reuse of existing components and modules. If a software system leverages existing components or modules, it reduces the complexity and size of the project as compared to developing everything from scratch. The EFP metrics methodology considers the level of reuse and adjusts the estimation accordingly.
Overall, the EFP metrics methodology provides a comprehensive approach to estimating the complexity and size of a software project. By considering various factors, such as the complexity of each element, the impact of non-functional requirements, and the reuse of existing components, it allows for a more accurate estimation of the effort and resources required for the project.
Examples of Software Engineering Extended Function Point (EFP) Metrics
Example 1: Web Application Development
Let’s consider the development of a web application as an example. The EFP metrics would take into account the number of user inputs, such as forms and interactive elements, the number of outputs, such as generated reports or notifications, the number of inquiries, such as search functionalities, the number of files, such as databases or configuration files, and the number of interfaces, such as APIs or external systems integration.
However, the EFP metrics would also consider the complexity of each of these elements. For example, a form with simple input fields would be considered less complex than a form with complex validation rules or conditional logic. Similarly, a basic search functionality would be considered less complex than a search functionality with advanced filtering options.
By considering both the quantity and complexity of each element, the EFP metrics can provide a more accurate estimation of the effort and resources required for the development of the web application.
Example 2: Mobile App Development
Now let’s consider the development of a mobile app. The EFP metrics would again consider the number of user inputs, outputs, inquiries, files, and interfaces. However, in the case of a mobile app, there may be additional factors to consider.
For example, the EFP metrics may take into account the number of different screen sizes and resolutions supported by the app, as this can significantly impact the complexity of the user interface design and implementation. The metrics may also consider the number of different device platforms supported, such as iOS and Android, as each platform may require different development approaches and resources.
By considering these additional factors, the EFP metrics can provide a more accurate estimation of the effort and resources required for the development of the mobile app.
Example 3: Enterprise Software Development
Lastly, let’s consider the development of an enterprise software system. This could be a complex system with multiple modules, integrations with other systems, and extensive business logic.
The EFP metrics would consider the number of inputs, outputs, inquiries, files, and interfaces, as well as the complexity of each element. Additionally, the metrics would also consider the complexity of the business logic and the number of different user roles and permissions supported by the system.
By considering all these factors, the EFP metrics can provide a more accurate estimation of the effort and resources required for the development of the enterprise software system.
Moreover, in the case of enterprise software development, the EFP metrics may also take into account the scalability and performance requirements of the system. For example, if the software needs to handle a large number of concurrent users or process a high volume of data, this would be considered in the estimation process.
Additionally, the EFP metrics may consider the need for security features, such as encryption or authentication mechanisms, as well as compliance requirements, such as adherence to industry-specific regulations or standards.
Furthermore, the EFP metrics may also consider the need for internationalization and localization support, especially if the software is intended to be used in multiple countries or regions with different languages and cultural norms.
By taking into account all these factors, the EFP metrics can provide a comprehensive estimation of the effort and resources required for the development of the enterprise software system, ensuring that all necessary aspects are considered and accounted for.