Function point analysis (FPA) is a method used to gauge the size and complexity of computer software, employing a function point as a unit of measure. Function points are a unit measure for software size, much like an hour is to measuring time, miles are to measuring distance or degrees Celsius are to measuring temperature.

Function points measure software by quantifying functionality provided to the user based primarily on the logical design. Frequently the term end user or user is used without specifying what is meant. In this case, the user is understood to be a sophisticated user; someone that would understand the system from a functional perspective and more than likely would provide requirements or perform acceptance testing.

Software systems continue to grow in size and complexity, becoming increasingly difficult to understand. As improvements in coding tools allow software developers to produce larger amounts of software to meet ever-expanding user requirements, a method to understand and communicate size must be used. As a structured technique of problem solving, function point analysis is a method to break systems into smaller components, so they can be better understood and analyzed.

Human beings solve problems by breaking them into smaller, understandable pieces. Problems that may initially appear to be difficult are found to be simple when dissected into their components, or classes. When the objects to be classified are the contents of software systems, a set of definitions and rules, or a scheme of classification, must be used to place these objects into their appropriate categories. Function point analysis is one such technique: FPA is a method to break systems into smaller components, so they can be better understood and analyzed. It also provides a structured technique for problem solving.

For a critical analysis of Function Points see CHANGE-POINTs: A Proposal for Software Productivity Measurement, The Journal of Systems and Software , Vol. 31 #1, October 1995, Vernon V Chatman III. See http://tinyurl.com/alfvy.

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