The modern field of software metrics emerged from the computer modeling and "e;statistical thinking"e; services of the 1980s. As the field evolved, metrics programs were integrated with project management, and metrics grew to be a major tool in the managerial decision-making process of software companies. This book simplifies software measurement and explains its value as a tool for decision-makers at software companies. Techniques presented in Software Metrics: A Guide to Planning, Analysis, and Application are derived from best practices. The ideas are field-proven, down-to-earth, and straightforward, making it an invaluable resource for those striving for process improvement. This overview helps readers enrich their knowledge of measurements, analysis, and best practices, and demonstrates how ordinary analysis techniques can be applied to achieve extraordinary results. Easy-to-understand tools and techniques show how metrics create models that are indispensable to decision-making in the software industry.