Pattern puzzle: a metaphor for visualizing software complexity measures

ABSTRACT

Software systems have become increasingly complex over the years. Complexity metrics measures software complexity using real numbers. It is, however, hard to gain insight into different complexities by looking at these numbers. In this paper, we present a software complexity metaphor that uses a jigsaw puzzle. In particular, each component of a software system is modelled as a piece of a jigsaw puzzle. The problem complexity is modelled as a pattern on the surface of the piece, and the interconnection complexity as connectors between puzzle pieces. We demonstrate the benefits of this approach using case studies of the complexity measures of a real software system.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques
          Subjects: User interfaces
      D.2.8 Metrics
          Subjects: Complexity measures

General Terms:
Design, Measurement

Keywords:
complexity measures, software engineering, user interface, visualization