Software quality metrics based on interconnectivity

We state a set of criteria that has guided the development of a metric system for measuring the quality of a largescale software product. This metric system uses the flow of information within the system as an index of system interconnectivity. Based on this observed interconnectivity, a variety of software metrics can be defined. The types of software quality features that can be measured by this approach are summarized. The data-flow analysis techniques used to establish the paths of information flow are explained and illustrated. Finally, a means of integrating various metrics and models into a comprehensive software development environment is discussed. This possible integration is explained in terms of the Gandalf system currently under development at Carnegie-Mellon University.