Evaluation of Design Pattern Utilization and Software Metrics in C# Programs

摘要

Utilization of design patterns is supposed to have a considerable impact on software quality and to correlate with different software metrics. Much experimental research has considered these issues but almost none related to C# programs. This paper examines utilization of Gang-of-Four design patterns combined with results of software metrics calculated on a set of C# programs. The design patterns have been automatically detected in source code. Analyzed applications with design patterns evaluated to be more complex but in the same time better maintainable than applications without design patterns. Usage of design patterns contributed to a growth in class encapsulation. Classes that implemented design patterns were more complex that other classes used in both types of applications with and without design patterns. The outcomes could be of importance in software maintenance, reverse engineering and program refactoring.