Code Quality Metrics

Code quality metrics help ensure the maintainability, reliability, and robustness of your software.

1. Code Coverage

Description: Code coverage measures the percentage of your code that is executed by automated tests.

Formula:

Code Coverage = (Number of lines covered by tests / Total number of lines) * 100%

Additional Information:

  • High code coverage indicates thorough testing.
  • It helps identify untested code areas.
  • Different types of coverage (line, branch, etc.) exist.

2. Cyclomatic Complexity

Description: Cyclomatic complexity measures the complexity of a program’s control flow.

Formula:

Cyclomatic Complexity = E - N + 2P (E = edges, N = nodes, P = connected components)

Additional Information:

  • High complexity can lead to difficult-to-maintain code.
  • It helps identify code that needs refactoring.
  • Tools like SonarQube can calculate this.

3. Code Duplication

Description: Code duplication measures the amount of identical or near-identical code in your codebase.

Formula:

  • Calculated by tools that identify duplicated code blocks.

Additional Information:

  • Duplication increases maintenance costs.
  • It can lead to inconsistencies and bugs.
  • Refactoring can reduce duplication.

4. Static Code Analysis Findings

Description: Reports from static analysis tools that identify potential code issues without executing the code.

Formula:

  • Varies based on the specific analysis tool.

Additional Information:

  • Tools like ESLint, SonarQube, and Checkstyle are used.
  • They help find bugs, security vulnerabilities, and style violations.
  • They improve code quality early in the development process.

5. Maintainability Index

Description: A calculated value representing how easy it is to maintain code.

Formula:

  • Calculated by static analysis tools based on various factors.

Additional Information:

  • Higher index values indicate better maintainability.
  • It helps prioritize refactoring efforts.
  • It can be used to track maintainability over time.