Software Engineering Estimation Techniques

Decomposition techniques help break down large software projects into smaller, manageable parts, making estimation more accurate.

LOC (Lines of Code) is a software sizing technique that estimates the effort based on the number of lines of code in a program. It's a simple but often inaccurate method.

Software project estimation involves predicting factors like time, cost, and resources needed to complete a software project. This helps in planning and managing projects.

The COCOMO (Constructive Cost Model) is a widely used estimation model that calculates software development effort and time based on project attributes like size, complexity, and the experience level of the development team.

Determining if a software project is achievable and aligns with the organization's resources and goals. This involves assessing feasibility based on technical, financial, and time constraints.

Determining how the app will make money, whether it's through paid downloads, subscriptions, in-app purchases or a combination of these.

A strategy where some features of the app are free, while others are paid for. Helps attract a wide user base.

Planning when the app will start generating revenue and how long it might take to make a profit.

Assessing if the app can be integrated seamlessly into the startup's operations.

Evaluating if the startup has the necessary resources, like people, equipment and time to successfully develop and manage the app.

Making sure the app complies with data protection laws, financial regulations and intellectual property rights.

Ensuring the app adheres to laws about protecting user data, like GDPR and HIPAA.

Evaluating if the app can be completed within the set timeframe given the complexity of the project, available resources and team skills.

The process of allocating and managing various resources (human, reusable software, and environmental) for a software project effectively, ensuring tasks are balanced and bottlenecks are avoided.

These are the people involved in the development and maintenance of software, including developers, testers, project managers, etc.

Existing software components that can be reused in a new project, saving time and effort. They can come from:

• Off-the-shelf: Purchased from third-party vendors.
• Full-experience: Previously built components identical to the current project.
• Partial-experience: Similar, but needing modifications.
• New components: Built specifically for the current project.

The environment a software project operates within, which includes both hardware (physical equipment) and software (tools, operating systems) needed for development.

A method of estimating the size of a software project by analyzing the information domain. It considers factors like external inputs, outputs, inquiries, and files.

A sizing technique used for estimating the size of software changes by analyzing the types and number of modifications made to existing code.

A technique for estimating the size of a software project based on the number of standard components used. It relies on historical data to determine the size of each component.

A method of breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable parts. It helps with project planning, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

The sum of the individual sizes of all software modules.

A software project where the requirements are well-defined, the technology is familiar, and the team has good experience, making it less risky.

The effort required at the beginning of a project, often estimated using COCOMO.

A factor that adjusts the initial effort based on complexity, storage, experience, and programmer capability.

The actual effort needed for a software project, calculated by multiplying initial effort by the effort adjusting factor.

The estimated time required to develop a software project, calculated using a formula that considers final effort.

The total cost of a software development project, calculated by multiplying the nominal development time by the average monthly salary.

The initial effort estimate for a software project. It is based on the size of the software (KLOC) and constants specific to the project category (organic, semidetached, embedded).

The estimated size of the software product in Kilo Lines of Code (KLOC).

A series of 15 multiplying factors that account for various project attributes, such as experience level, software reliability, and platform complexity. They adjust the initial effort estimate based on the specific characteristics of the project.

The final effort estimate in person-months (PMs) required to develop the software product. It's calculated by multiplying the initial effort (Ei) by the effort adjustment factor (EAF).

A category of software development projects characterized by a high level of experience, straightforward requirements, and a well-defined problem domain.

A category of software development projects characterized by a mix of experienced and less experienced developers, moderate complexity, and a combination of well-defined and ambiguous project requirements.

A category of software development projects characterized by high complexity, unfamiliar requirements, and a tightly constrained environment. It often involves integrating with existing hardware and software.

A software estimation model that calculates development effort and time based on factors like project size, complexity, and team experience.

The total lines of code in a software project, used in COCOMO to estimate project size and effort.

The attribute that is rated to factor in the intricacies of the software project and its impact on estimation.

The attribute that captures the anticipated amount of data storage required for the software system.

The attribute that considers the experience level of the development team in building similar projects.

The attribute that assesses the capabilities and skills of the development team, affecting overall productivity.

The estimated effort required at the beginning of the project, considering initial planning and design phases.

The final estimated effort, considering all project phases, including design, development, testing, and deployment.