An overview of object-oriented design metrics

In this paper, we examine the current state in the field of object-oriented design metrices. We describe three sets of currently available metrics suites, namely, those of Chidamber and Kemerer (1993), Lorenze and Kidd (1994) and Abreu (1995). We consider the important features of each set, and assess the appropriateness and usefulness of each in evaluating the design of object-oriented systems. As a result, we identify problems common to all three sets of metrices, allowing us to suggest possible improvements in this area.