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Function Point Matrices

The document discusses Albrecht's Function Point Method which provides a standardized way to measure the functions of a software application from the user's perspective. It describes the components involved, how to compute the unadjusted and final function point counts, and factors like complexity.

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2022aspire379
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22 views

Function Point Matrices

The document discusses Albrecht's Function Point Method which provides a standardized way to measure the functions of a software application from the user's perspective. It describes the components involved, how to compute the unadjusted and final function point counts, and factors like complexity.

Uploaded by

2022aspire379
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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03/03/2024, 10:46 Albrecht’s Function Point Method

Albrecht’s Function Point Method

Function point metrics provide a standardized method for measuring the various
functions of a software application. It measures the functionality from the user’s
point of view, that is, on the basis of what the user requests and receives in return.
Function point analysis is a standard method for measuring software development
from the user's point of view.

The Function Point measure originally conceived by Albrecht received increased


popularity with the inception of the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG)
in 1986. In 2002, IFPUG Function Points became an international ISO standard –
ISO/IEC 20926.

What is a Function Point?


FP (Function Point) is the most widespread functional type metrics suitable for
quantifying a software application. It is based on five users identifiable logical
"functions", which are divided into two data function types and three transactional
function types. For a given software application, each of these elements is quantified
and weighted, counting its characteristic elements, such as file references or logical
fields.

The resulting numbers (Unadjusted FP) are grouped into Added, Changed, or Deleted
functions sets, and combined with the Value Adjustment Factor (VAF) to obtain the
final number of FP. A distinct final formula is used for each count type: Application,
Development Project, or Enhancement Project.

Applying Albrecht’s Function Point Method


Let us now understand how to apply the Albrecht’s Function Point method. Its
procedure is as follows −

Determine the number of components (EI, EO, EQ, ILF, and ELF)

EI − The number of external inputs. These are elementary processes in which


derived data passes across the boundary from outside to inside. In an
example library database system, enter an existing patron's library card
number.

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03/03/2024, 10:46 Albrecht’s Function Point Method

EO − The number of external output. These are elementary processes in


which derived data passes across the boundary from inside to outside. In an
example library database system, display a list of books checked out to a
patron.
EQ − The number of external queries. These are elementary processes with
both input and output components that result in data retrieval from one or
more internal logical files and external interface files. In an example library
database system, determine what books are currently checked out to a
patron.
ILF − The number of internal log files. These are user identifiable groups of
logically related data that resides entirely within the applications boundary
that are maintained through external inputs. In an example library database
system, the file of books in the library.
ELF − The number of external log files. These are user identifiable groups of
logically related data that are used for reference purposes only, and which
reside entirely outside the system. In an example library database system,
the file that contains transactions in the library's billing system.

Compute the Unadjusted Function Point Count (UFC)

Rate each component as low, average, or high.


For transactions (EI, EO, and EQ), the rating is based on FTR and DET.

FTR − The number of files updated or referenced.


DET − The number of user-recognizable fields.

Based on the following table, an EI that references 2 files and 10 data


elements would be ranked as average.

For files (ILF and ELF), the rating is based on the RET and DET.

RET − The number of user-recognizable data elements in an ILF or


ELF.

DET − The number of user-recognizable fields.


Based on the following table, an ILF that contains 10 data elements
and 5 fields would be ranked as high.

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03/03/2024, 10:46 Albrecht’s Function Point Method

Convert ratings into UFCs.

Compute the Final Function Point Count (FPC)

Compute value adjustment factor (VAF) based on 14 general system


characteristics (GSC).

Weigh each GSC on a scale of 0 to 5 based on whether it has no influence to


strong influence.

Compute the FPC as follows −


FPC = UFC * (0.65+(sum(GSC) * .01))

Complexity

Complexity is a separate component of size. It is of two types −

Complexity of a problem − It is the amount of resources required for an


optimal solution to the problem.
Complexity of a solution − It is the resources needed to implement a
particular solution. It has two aspects. They are as follows −

Time complexity − The resource is computer time.


Space complexity − The resource is computer memory.

Measuring Complexity

One aspect of complexity is efficiency. It measures any software product that can be
modeled as an algorithm.

For example: If an algorithm for solving all instances of a particular problem requires
f(n) computations, then f(n) is asymptotically optimal, if for every other algorithm
with complexity g that solves the problem f is O(g). Then, the complexity of the
given problem is big - O of the asymptotically optimal algorithm for the problem’s
solution.

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