A Metrics Suite for Static Structure of Large-Scale Software Based on Complex Networks

In order to overcome the limitations of traditional software metrics and meet the urgent demand in large-scale software development, in this study we constructed the static structure model for large-scale software by structural mapping and visualization. In particular, through application of the complex networks theory, we proposed a two-dimension metrics suite based on complex networks parameters from the perspective of software engineering. The feasibility and validity of the metrics were testified through statistical analyzing the data from a set of software projects; and these experiments show that the metrics suite can not only uncover the features of software structure such as scale free, small world, but also can get some latent rules about design and structure. These features can be conveniently used by designers and developers to understand the system, to control complexity and to improve process.