What is Cyclomatic Complexity?

Cyclomatic Complexity measures the number of independent paths through a program’s code. The higher the complexity, the more difficult the software is to test and maintain.

How can software complexity be managed?

Software complexity can be managed through modular design, regular code refactoring, and automation tools that streamline testing and maintenance tasks.

Software Complexity

Definition

Software complexity refers to how difficult a software system is to understand, maintain, and modify. It arises from factors like intricate code, system interactions, and varying requirements, making it harder to manage over time.

How to measure software system complexity?

Software complexity can be measured using metrics such as:

Cyclomatic Complexity: Measures the number of independent paths through the code.
Halstead Complexity: Evaluates the software based on the number of operators and operands in the code.
Lines of Code (LOC): Quantifies the total amount of code written, which can indicate complexity in larger systems.

How to deal with software complexity?

To manage software complexity, best practices include:

Modular Design: Breaking the system into smaller, manageable modules.
Code Refactoring: Regularly improving code structure without altering functionality.
Automation: Using tools to automate testing and maintenance tasks, reducing manual effort and errors.