A metric towards evaluating understandability of state machines: An empirical study

摘要: Context: State machines are widely used to describe the dynamic behavior of objects, components, and systems. As a communication tool between various stakeholders, it is essential that state be easily correctly comprehensible. Poorly understood can lead misunderstandings overhead, thus adversely affecting quality final product. Nevertheless, there lack measurement research for machines. Objective: In this paper, we propose metric, called SUM, evaluate understandability SUM defined on basis cohesion coupling concepts. Method: To validate as machine indicator, performed an empirical study using five We constructed different each system, resulting in total 25 being prepared. Two aspects understandability, efficiency (UEff) correctness (UCor), were obtained from 40 participants then correlation consistency analyses SUMs measured values. Results: The results analysis indicated was significantly correlated with UEff (p=0.003) UCor (p=0.027). positively four systems all Conclusion: These confirm possibility useful indicator SMs. believe proposed metric guideline construct