Software Development Effort Estimation

In software development, effort estimation is the process of predicting the most realistic amount of effort (expressed in terms of person-hours or money) required to develop or maintain software based on incomplete, uncertain and noisy input. Effort estimates may be used as input to project plans, iteration plans, budgets, investment analyses, pricing processes and bidding rounds.

See Also

• Function Point Analysis (FPA)
• Software Non-functional Assessment Process (SNAP)
• Constructive Cost Model (COCOMO)