What is Function Point Analysis Methodology?

Function Point Analysis (FPA) has been used since the late 1970s to measure the size of software applications and projects. The methodology is maintained by the International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG). FPA quantifies the functionality delivered to the user based on expressed requirements – the “logical” view of size as opposed to the physical or technical view.

FPA measures functional requirements in terms of the business transactions (functions that the user can perform using the software, and the business data (collections of data that the software can store and access.)

The process of performing Function Point Analysis is called a ‘Function Point Count’ and it involves the identification, classification and weighting of transactions and data elements. Weighted values are combined to yield the functional size. In IFPUG methodology, the end result is referred to as the Adjusted Function Point Count.

The Function Point Analysis technique is used to assess the functionality delivered by software and a ‘function point’ is the unit of measurement.