Software Development Effort Estimation

What is Software Development Effort Estimation?

Software development effort estimation is the process of predicting the amount of time, effort, and resources that will be required to develop a software system. It is an important part of the software development process, as it helps project managers, developers, and stakeholders to plan, allocate resources, and set realistic expectations for the project.

There are many techniques that can be used for software development effort estimation, including expert judgment, analogy, parametric models, and function point analysis. The choice of technique depends on the characteristics of the project, the availability of data and resources, and the level of accuracy required.

Accurate effort estimation is challenging because it requires forecasting the future, and software development projects are often complex and involve many variables and unknowns. However, with careful planning and analysis, it is possible to develop reasonable estimates that can help to guide the development process and ensure the successful completion of the project.

See Also

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