- The Function Point Analysis Process
- Types of Counts
- Identifying the Counting Scope and the Application Boundary
- Data Functions (Internal Logical Files and External Interface Files)
- Transactional Functions (External Inputs, External Outputs, and External Inquiries)
- Source
Data Functions (Internal Logical Files and External Interface Files)
Data Function Definitions
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IFPUG defines an internal logical file (ILF) as a user-identifiable group of logically related data or control information maintained within the boundary of the application. The primary intent of an ILF is to hold data maintained through one or more elementary processes of the application being counted.
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IFPUG defines an external interface file as a user-identifiable group of logically related data or control information referenced by the application but maintained within the boundary of a different application. The primary intent of an EIF is to hold data referenced through one or more elementary processes within the boundary of the application counted. An EIF counted for an application must be in an ILF in another application.
Step 3 in the function point counting process is to identify the data functions (ILFs and EIFs). The Location directory data, an internal logical file (ILF), is maintained within the boundary of the application. The employee data, an external interface file (EIF), is maintained within the boundary of the Personnel application and is used by the Location application for retrieval of reference data.