Functional Metrics: Problems and Possible Solutions

Functional metrics (especially IFPUG Function Point and Mark II Function Point) are gaining dominance over "technological" type metrics (Lines of Code). Although this takes place quite rapidly from the "cultural" standpoint, on a practical level the process is much slower due to the large quantity of code measurements already present in any company, and given the scepticism with which functional metrics are received in some technical environments. The advantages of the first approach over the second one are, by now, well known. There are, indeed, some problems regarding functional metrics that need to be addressed by the technical community. This paper aims to highlight the major drawbacks of IFPUG Function Point metrics and discuss some possible solutions.