Code quality is one of the important measures in software development. Unfortunately, it is often ignored and causes organizations to launch poor-quality software. The software may work for a limited time but in the end, it creates a huge technical debt. The development team can avoid code debt by measuring code quality throughout the process. Quality metrics work as the map that guides the team into creating high-quality software. They are necessary because they offer a platform for measurements. Team leaders use them to make decisions, and optimize software, and workflows. In terms of quantity, teams have a large pool of metrics they can use. The team must choose metrics that add value to the code and workflows.
Importance of metrics in measuring code quality
Software developers have access to more tools in the modern development landscape. Greater access means they can develop and launch more software often. Quick development and launching could easily lead to poor code quality. Due to this, teams must develop resonating code quality metrics.
They are benchmarks that ensure the team does not end up with poor code quality. The types of software quality metrics a team chooses depend on the goals of the software. Due to this, the types of metrics used by organizations may differ significantly. Determine and agree on your preferred metrics as a team.
Development teams may agree to use standardized software quality metrics. There are many options out there but one of the popular options is DORA metrics. They allow teams to effectively evaluate software delivery performance and maturity. The critical areas that these metrics measure include lead time for changes. Some teams may measure the time in hours, days, or weeks. The DORA benchmarks measure change failure too. They keep deployment frequency in check and the mean time to recovery. Teams can check here to discover what more they can do with DORA metrics.
Most companies today use agile culture in their development workflows. This helps them release products often. They must make sure they release quality software. Metrics help both the client and developer evaluate performance fairly. The team increases productivity and saves time, and cost. Metrics help them create more accurate estimations of timelines and costs.
Common metrics that improve code quality
Developers might want to begin the process with a question – can you measure software? The answer is yes; you can measure software by defining its attributes. These are done in terms of dimension, size, amount, and quantity. They tell the characteristics of the software and its processes. The common metrics used for measurement must be countable. They tell about the quality of the software, performance, and structure. The team may need a good code quality tool to help them increase accuracy. Here are the common code quality metrics.
- Portability. Portability checks how easy it is to use the software in different settings. The software must prove to be platform-independent. The team should consistently test in different environments throughout the development process.
- Reliability. Reliability measures whether the software can be depended upon. The team tests how often the software fails. They measure total errors in the code. If the result records the lowest defects to be termed as quality.
- Reusability. Reusability tests whether the features in a code can be used again and again. They test the reusability of every component in the software. They check the quantity of interdependencies in the software.
- Testability. Testability measures the ability of the software to be tested in different environments. This testing is done in different ways. The team may automate the process, isolate the code, or just observe it at work.
- Maintainability. Maintenance measures the ability to maintain the software. The team checks this against the complexity of the source code. They check its structure and size, including its consistency.
Different ways to improve code quality
Improving quality should be given priority in every way. Higher quality proves to be reliable and records good performance. Your team can adopt different ways of improving quality.
Create your coding standards
Together with your team, write the standards that will guide you in the process. The standards should touch on every area of the development process. It should create standards for ensuring consistency and reliability. You need to have benchmarks for collaboration and smooth workflows. Create your guiding principles for creating one that can be maintained. These guidelines ensure you achieve consistency in the entire process. It limits risks and ensures your time stays within timelines.
Focus on the health of the code
Health here means coding that is free from bugs, errors, and security issues. It is a code that is readable and other developers can understand. The code can be modified if the need comes. Avoid creating a complicated code that makes it harder to use. The team needs to focus on simple and clear software. Health is measured by the properties and organization structures. The development and testing processes of the code should be documented.
Do thorough testing
You can only know the quality by testing it. First, develop the right quality metrics to guide you. Begin to run tests from the first phase of development. Test it on different environments and levels. You may test its units, unique components, and different functions. Choose the right code quality tools for these activities.
Manual testing processes can leave you with many undetected errors. Automate the process to simplify it and make it continuous. Write a report for the results achieved in every test made. It is easier to track the documented reports in every development phase. Have a quality assurance team to assist in the testing processes and development phases.
Keep improving the code
Throughout the development phases, you have every chance to improve the code. Even after launching, new technologies may come. Stay up with the latest trends by improving the code. If you have chances to learn, upskill or reskill to improve your knowledge. You may refactor it by changing its structure. When you change it, ensure you do not change its behavior. You may rewrite necessary parts to enhance its performance and efficiency.
Conclusion
Code quality metrics make sure you have a platform you can use as a roadmap. They allow you to assess the quality of your code and improve it. The metrics should be applied in every phase of the software development process. Test different areas including reusability, adaptability, and testability. Improve the quality of the code by creating your unique development standards. They help avoid poor code quality that can significantly affect business operations and might lead to dissatisfied clients and poor business reputation. So to be on top of your game, focus on quality metrics and you’ll see your development workflows touching excellence.
