Function Point Analysis

Measuring the size of software has always been problematic. Lines of code (LOC), may reflect the effort of the programmer but it does not accurately measures the functional size of the software delivered to the user.

In the late 1970s Allan Albrecht of IBM set out to develop a way to measure software development effort in a way that was independent of the programming language used. This eventuated in the function point technique. This technique was refined and in the mid 1980s became public property.

The International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG) was then founded to promote the effective management of application software development and maintenance activities through the use of Function Point Analysis and other software measurement techniques. IFPUG endorses FPA as its standard methodology for software sizing.

Function Point Analysis is currently the most widely used functional size measurement (FSM) technique. The Function Point Analysis technique was recently recognized by ISO as an international standard for functional sizing methodology. The other FSM technique conforming to the ISO standard is COSMIC - FFP.

In this section, we will be including links to all Function Point Analysis related resources.

NEW Online Function Point Analysis Counter

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