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.
Model-Driven Development and the Model-Driven Architecture paradigm have in the recent past been emphasizing on the importance of good models. In the Object-Oriented paradigm one of the key artefacts are the Statechart diagrams. Statechart diagrams have inherent complexity which keeps increasing every time the diagrams are modified, and this complexity poses problems when it comes to comprehending the diagrams. Statechart diagrams provide a foundation for analysing the dynamic behaviour of systems, and therefore, their quality should be maintained. The aim of this study is to develop and validate metrics for measuring the complexity of UML Statechart diagrams. This study used design science which involved the definition of metrics, development of a metrics tool, and theoretical and empirical validation of the metrics. For the measurement of the cognitive complexity of statechart diagrams, this study proposes three metrics. The defined metrics were further used to calculate the complexity of two sample statechart diagrams and found relevant. Also, theoretical validation of the defined metrics was done using the Weyuker’s nine properties and revealed they are mathematically sound. Empirical validations were performed on the metrics and results indicate that all the three metrics are good for the measurement of the cognitive complexity of statecharts.
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