What is Function Point Analysis?
Function point analysis (FPA) is a methodology for measuring software productivity and the cost associated with the development and maintenance. One function point (FP) is one end-user requested business function. The following defines the five characteristics of function points (Grupe 1991): • External Inputs: these are end-user actions such as putting in a login or executing a mouse click. • External Outputs: the system provides the end-user output or interface such as a GUI display or items in a report. • Logical Internal Files: these files are the master or transaction files that the system interacts with during its session. • External Interface Files: unlike logical internal files, where the application uses solely for its purpose, these files are or databases are shared with other applications or systems. • External Inquiries: this function is initiated by the end-user. For example, the end-user wishes to submit a query to a database or requests on-line help. In any case the deve
