Volume 10, Number 4

A Literature Survey of Cognitive Complexity Metrics for Statechart Diagrams

  Authors

Ann Wambui King’ori^{1, 2}, Geoffrey Muchiri Muketha¹ and Elyjoy Muthoni Micheni³, ¹Murang' a University of Technology, Kenya, ²Nkabune Technical Training Institute, Kenya and ³The Technical University of Kenya, Kenya

  Abstract

Statechart diagrams have inherent complexity which keeps increasing every time the diagrams are modified. This complexity poses problems in comprehending statechart diagrams. The study of cognitive complexity has over the years provided valuable information for the design of improved software systems. Researchers have proposed numerous metrics that have been used to measure and therefore control the complexity of software. However, there is inadequate literature related to cognitive complexity metrics that can apply to measure statechart diagrams. In this study, a literature survey of statechart diagrams is conducted to investigate if there are any gaps in the literature. Initially, a description of UML and statechart diagrams is presented, followed by the complexities associated with statechart diagrams and finally an analysis of existing cognitive complexity metrics and metrics related to statechart diagrams. Findings indicate that metrics that employ cognitive weights to measure statechart diagrams are lacking.

  Keywords

UML, Statechart diagrams, Software metrics, Cognitive complexity metrics, statechart complexity metrics