Markdown Halstead

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Operators

• Heading markers by level (#, ##, …).
• List markers (-, *, 1., …).
• Table delimiters (|, alignment markers).
• Link / image operators ([…](…), ![…](…)).
• Code-fence openers by language (```python).
• Inline code, blockquote (>), math delimiters ($…$, $$…$$).
• Emphasis markers (*, _, **).
• Footnote operators.
• Raw-HTML / MDX / directive operators.
• Punctuation classes.
• Diagram DSL statement classes.
• Embedded-code operators.

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Operands

• Word-like tokens.
• Numeric / version tokens.
• Identifier-like tokens.
• Path-like tokens.
• Link destinations.
• Table headers.
• Image destinations / alt hashes.
• Code identifiers from embedded analyzers.
• Diagram node / edge labels.
• Math symbols and commands.

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Formulas

MDH_vocab  = n1 + n2
MDH_length = N1 + N2
MDH_volume = MDH_length · log2(max(2, MDH_vocab))
MDH_diff   = (n1 / 2) · (N2 / max(1, n2))
MDH_effort = MDH_volume · MDH_diff

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Embedded-code adjustment

0.20 · sqrt(code_halstead_volume)
+ 0.50 · code_cognitive
+ 0.10 · code_loc

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References

• Halstead, M. H. (1977). Elements of Software Science. Elsevier — the operator/operand model this metric ports to Markdown’s token taxonomy. OSTI record.
• Kearney, J. K., et al. Software Complexity Measurement — MIT lecture notes summarizing the Halstead operator/operand formulation. PDF (MIT OCW 16.355).

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See also

• Halstead metrics for code — same formulas, different operator set.
• DMI — uses MDH volume as one of its inputs.