The Use of Software Science in Evaluating Modularity Concepts

An investigation is made into the extent to which relationships from software science are useful in analyzing programming methodology principles that are concerned with modularity. Using previously published data from over 500 programs, it is shown that the software science effort measure provides quantitative answers to questions concerning the conditions under which modularization is beneficial. Among the issues discussed are the reduction of similar code sequences by temporary variable and subprogram defmition, and the use of global variables. Using data flow analysis, environmental considerations which affect the applicability of alternative modularity techniques are also discussed.