Re: module/pgm analysis (lines of code)

On 19/12/2007, at 2:41 AM, Alan Shore wrote:

Simon wrote
"Lines of code is a useful estimation tool but a useless productivity
measurement."

The "useless productivity measurement." I TOTALLY agree with, but
"Lines of code is a useful estimation tool" - estimation for what?
I have just read the above, and it could be taken as a sarcastic comment.
That's NOT my intention. It is a valid question. I'm hoping that Simon can
please clarify

Simply that in large projects it is useful to get some idea of how long it might take to complete. In order to do that you need some idea of the scope of work. One way to do that is to estimate LOC from the design documents. This number can then be used to determine staffing rates and a time-line based on "standard" guidelines for such things (usually derived from previous project metrics).

Note that LOC/person usually includes other project related costs such as documentation, translation, testing, etc.

There are other methods that serve the same purpose.

Regards,
Simon Coulter.
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