Figure 1 offers a simplified nomenclature. Simplified Weighting Terms. The function point methodology describes a function in terms of size. Actually, the standard refers to complexity but complexity is an algorithmic factor that should be orthogonal to a size metric, so we are unilaterally changing the label. Consistent with this change, low, average, and high complexity become small, medium, and large .
Size is determined by counting a function s attributes.
The standard refers to these as data element types, record element types, and file types referenced simpler terms are field for the first item and data groupings accessed for the latter two. Figure 2 illustrates how size is determined then labeled using the alternative nomenclature outlined here. Accounting for Hidden Functionality Function points are determined at an application s external interface, the layer where interaction with the outside world occurs. However, attributes at the external interface sometimes provide little indication of how substantial underlying code is. Judged from the external interface, the size of these systems will be understated.