How does the use of function points compare to the use of lines of code?
The number of lines of code is the traditional way of gauging application size. Some people claim it is still relevant because it measures what software developers actually do, that is, write lines of code. They will use lines of code either instead of or in addition to function points. Other practitioners say lines of code are irrelevant. Capers Jones has declared “the use of lines of code metrics for productivity and quality studies to be regarded as professional malpractice starting in 1995.” At best, counting lines of code measures software from the developers’ point of view. Since function points are based on screens, reports and other external objects, this measure takes the users’ view. In these days of outsourcing and other confusion regarding the role of IT in an organization, understanding the users’ view is of critical importance! Related to these different views is the phenomenon that you get what you measure.
