What is ISO/IEC 19515 – Automated Function Points about ?
ISO/IEC 19515 defines a method for automating the counting of Function Points that is generally consistent with the Function Point Counting Practices Manual, Release 4.3.1 (IFPUG CPM) produced by the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG).
Guidelines in ISO/IEC 19515 may differ from those in the IFPUG CPM at points where subjective judgments have to be replaced by the rules needed for automation.
ISO/IEC 19515 is applicable to the functional sizing of transaction-oriented software applications, and in particular those with data persistency.
ISO/IEC 19515 does not address sizing for the non-functional components of a software application. Non-functional components (as defined by IFPUG) include:
- Structural Quality Constraints Reliability, Security, Performance Efficiency, Maintainability, etc
- Organizational Constraints locations for operations, target hardware, compliance to standards, etc
- Environmental Constraints interoperability, security, privacy, safety, etc
- Implementation Constraints development language, delivery schedule, etc
Who is ISO/IEC 19515 - Automated Function Points for ?
ISO/IEC 19515 on Information technology is relevant to:
- Data Engineers
- Software Engineers
- Automation experts
- Professional organizations maintaining large supporting infrastructures
Why should you use ISO/IEC 19515 – Automated Function Points ?
The function point technique provides objective, computable metrics for software production evaluation, planning, management, and control.
ISO/IEC 19515 provides details on the support of applications using relational databases. However, ISO/IEC 19515 can be used and extended for any type of transactional application with data persistency.
ISO/IEC 19515 prioritizes repeatability and consistency over consistency with the IFPUG CPM counting guidelines. In some counting situations, IFPUG guidelines are vague, leaving the interpretation to the judgment of the counter.
ISO/IEC 19515 for Automated Function Points follows the steps for the counting process in the IFPUG CPM to the extent possible for an automated system. An automated system relies on receiving the correct and complete list of inputs to fulfil this step.
Overall, ISO/IEC 19515 provides methods and applications to support the use of relational databases in applications, which help you as programmers and developers to test applications and develop new software, thereby eliminating bugs and creating better products.