CQM : A Software Component Metric Classification Model

In the last few years component-based software development (CBSD) has been imposed as a new paradigm in software systems construction. CBSD is based on the idea that software systems can be developed by selecting and integrating appropriate components, which have already been developed, and then assembling them to obtain the functionality desired in the final application. Multiple authors have proposed metrics to quantify several components characteristics in order to help in its selection. Nevertheless, rather than helping developers, such proposals often provoke more confusion due to the fact that they do not systematically take into account different aspects of the components. Trying to achieve clarity in this line, we have developed the CQM model (Component Quality Model), whose first aim is to propose a classification of the defined metrics for software components. The model will also be able to be used for the evaluation of a component or a component system. Finally, it is necessary to indicate that this is the first version of the model, and it will need to be refined by means of its use and discussion in different forums.