Goodman's book claims to be written specifically to help organizations successfully introduce software metrics programs. The book is easy to read and is certainly recommended as an introduction to starting a measurement process. It is organized in three parts: Section 1 introduces what software metrics are and provides a high-level overview of common software metrics examples and applications; Section 2 describes a project lifecycle approach for initiating and implementing a metrics program; Section 3 suggests some pragmatic alternatives to the full project approach and takes a closing look at trends and the future.

The author's style is low key and conversational. For example, Goodman summarizes Section 2 with a list of key fundamentals he believes should guide any measurement initiative: "Avoid ivory towers; Don't try to do everything at once (chunk it down into phases of activity); Provide solution packages; and, Don't ignore the infrastructure. Finally, and very simply, treat the measurement initiative as a project in its own right."