A flexible method for maintaining software metrics data: a universal metrics repository
Abstract A neglected aspect of software measurement programs is what will be done with the metrics once they are collected. Often databases of metrics information tend to be developed as an afterthought, with little, if any concessions to future data needs, or long-term, sustaining metrics collection efforts. A metric repository should facilitate an on-going metrics collection effort, as well as serving as the “corporate memory” of past projects, their histories and experiences. In order to address these issues, we describe a transformational view of software development that treats the software development process as a series of artifact transformations. Each transformation has inputs and produces outputs. The use of this approach supports a very flexible software engineering metrics repository.