Unified Class Coupling Model for Coupling Measurement in Object Oriented Software Systems

Abstract

Coupling is the extent to which the functions performed by a subsystem are related. If a subcomponent is responsible for a number of unrelated functions then the functionality has been poorly distributed to subcomponents. Hence low coupling is a characteristic of a well designed subcomponent. The problem noted for research in this thesis is lack of standardization of measures, ambiguity in definition of measures and poor conceptual links between coupling components. The main goal of the research was to develop a model for coupling measurement in object oriented software systems.Literature review was conducted on coupling models and classification for coupling measures developed. In this research data was collected from various systems arising from students projects, analyzed in Poisson distribution model and the results used to formulate a unified coupling model. The model consist of five components that is class level coupling (CLC),object level coupling,static level coupling (SLC),dynamic coupling, and a combination of CLC and SLC. From the model a framework was developed for assessing coupling in software systems. To enhance the application of model and framework, an algorithm for assessing individual components and overall model was formulated and a tool to demonstrate model use created. The model was tested using five systems and results of high coupling and low coupling recorded.The model was validated using five softwares systems from github.com. From the validation three software recorded high coupling while two software systems recorded low coupling In conclusion the unified coupling model advances coupling measurement by providing ability to assess interrelation of all components and how they affect coupling behavior.This is an advancement of existing measurement models.