COCOMO 1 vs. COCOMO 2 — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Published on February 3, 2024
COCOMO 1 is an early model for software cost estimation focusing on initial design, while COCOMO 2 is an updated version accommodating more modern software development practices.
Difference Between COCOMO 1 and COCOMO 2
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
COCOMO 1, introduced in the early 1980s, provides a model for estimating software development effort based on size measured in Lines of Code (LOC). COCOMO 2, developed in the 1990s, expands on this by considering newer development methodologies and software practices.
The original COCOMO 1 model is simpler and ideal for traditional, waterfall-type development projects. In contrast, COCOMO 2 addresses the complexity and dynamics of contemporary software projects, including rapid development and prototyping.
COCOMO 1 uses three modes (Basic, Intermediate, and Detailed) to estimate the cost, but it lacks the flexibility needed for evolving software paradigms. COCOMO 2 introduces the capability to adjust estimates based on factors like reuse and re-engineering.
While COCOMO 1 is more straightforward and easier to use for conventional projects, COCOMO 2 offers a more comprehensive and adaptable framework suitable for various software development life cycles, including iterative and incremental models.
In summary, COCOMO 1 is foundational in software cost estimation, focusing on the early design phase. COCOMO 2, however, provides a more nuanced approach, accommodating changes in technology and development practices.
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Comparison Chart
Time of Development
Developed in the early 1980s.
Developed in the 1990s.
Suitability
Suited for traditional, linear projects.
Suited for modern, iterative, and complex projects.
Flexibility
Less flexible, based on static models.
More flexible, adapts to changing development needs.
Estimation Factors
Focuses primarily on Lines of Code (LOC).
Considers factors like reuse and rapid development.
Development Methodologies
Based on waterfall-type development.
Accommodates various methodologies, including agile.
Compare with Definitions
COCOMO 1
COCOMO 1 is less adaptable to modern, agile software development.
COCOMO 1 wasn't the best fit for our agile-based project due to its linear approach.
COCOMO 2
COCOMO 2 is an updated software cost estimation model considering modern practices.
COCOMO 2 provided a more accurate estimate for our iterative development cycle.
COCOMO 1
COCOMO 1 is an early model for software cost estimation based on LOC.
We used COCOMO 1 to estimate the project cost based on our code's total lines.
COCOMO 2
COCOMO 2 factors in rapid development and technology evolution.
COCOMO 2 was more suitable for our project, considering our use of rapid prototyping.
COCOMO 1
COCOMO 1 uses three models: Basic, Intermediate, and Detailed.
We opted for the Intermediate model of COCOMO 1 for more accurate estimates.
COCOMO 2
COCOMO 2 adapts to various software development methodologies.
Our team used COCOMO 2 due to its flexibility with our mixed development methods.
COCOMO 1
COCOMO 1 provides a basic framework for software project budgeting.
COCOMO 1 helped us determine a baseline budget for our software project.
COCOMO 2
COCOMO 2 is more comprehensive for current software project needs.
For our complex software project, COCOMO 2's comprehensive approach was necessary.
COCOMO 1
COCOMO 1 is suitable for traditional, linear software development projects.
For our waterfall project, we found COCOMO 1 to be quite effective.
COCOMO 2
COCOMO 2 includes considerations for software reusability and re-engineering.
COCOMO 2 allowed us to factor in our code reuse, improving our cost estimation.
Common Curiosities
Can COCOMO 2 handle agile development estimates?
Yes, COCOMO 2 is designed to accommodate agile and iterative development processes.
What is the main focus of COCOMO 1?
COCOMO 1 focuses on estimating software development cost based on lines of code.
Does COCOMO 1 consider software reuse?
COCOMO 1 does not specifically account for software reuse, unlike COCOMO 2.
How does COCOMO 2 differ from COCOMO 1?
COCOMO 2 addresses modern software practices and is more adaptable to various methodologies.
Is training required to use COCOMO 2 effectively?
Yes, understanding COCOMO 2's intricacies may require some training or experience.
Are COCOMO models industry-specific?
No, COCOMO models are not industry-specific and can be applied across various software projects.
How user-friendly is COCOMO 2 compared to COCOMO 1?
COCOMO 2 is more complex due to its comprehensive nature but offers more accurate estimations.
Is COCOMO 1 still relevant today?
COCOMO 1 is less relevant for modern, agile projects but still useful for traditional, linear projects.
Can COCOMO models be integrated with other estimation techniques?
Yes, COCOMO models can be used alongside other estimation methods for more comprehensive analysis.
Does COCOMO 2 require more data than COCOMO 1?
Yes, COCOMO 2 generally requires more detailed project information for accurate estimation.
Can COCOMO models estimate non-coding tasks?
COCOMO models primarily focus on coding efforts, but some adaptations consider overall project tasks.
Is COCOMO 2 suitable for small projects?
COCOMO 2 can be used for small projects, but its detailed approach is more beneficial for larger, complex projects.
Are COCOMO models customizable?
Yes, both COCOMO 1 and COCOMO 2 can be adapted and calibrated to specific organizational needs.
How accurate are COCOMO estimates?
The accuracy depends on the input data quality and the project's alignment with the model assumptions.
Do COCOMO models support incremental development?
COCOMO 2 supports incremental development, whereas COCOMO 1 is less flexible in this regard.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
