A Metrics Suite for Measuring Software Components

Software metrics can provide an automated way for software practitioners to assess the quality of their software. The earlier in the software development lifecycle this information is available, the more valuable it is, since changes are much more expensive to make later in the lifecycle. As far as the ComponentBased Software Engineering is concerned, the metrics can help estimate, plan and identify areas to improve quality, reduce costs, enhance project management and facilitate risk management. Ultimately the success of the CBSE projects can be ensured from the metrics. In this paper we define seventeen metrics for seven component characters. It includes three functional characters namely the suitability, accuracy and complexity and four non-functional characters namely the usability, maintainability, reusability and performance. The metrics are arrived at, based on a metric model. The metrics are then validated with a case study.