We've all seen discussions on the ideal length of a method. My favourite litmus test for code quality is to look at the "if" statements, to see whether the values being tested belong to the current class. The further removed the tested value from the context of the test, the stronger the smell of a modelling problem.
So my question is... can anyone fill me in on the origin and the worth of this measure. Is this a recognised metric? Is it possible/desireable to model objects such that all conditional logic tests only class members? What importance would you give to this measure?
My favourite litmus test
<-- why is it your favorite test? I think if you answer this question you will effectively answer your question here.