Introduction

What differences has the Web made to software engineering?

The Web has led to the availability of software services and the possibility of developing highly distributed service-based systems. Web-based systems development has led to important advances in programming languages and software reuse

Software specification

where customers and engineers define the software that is to be produced and the constraints on its operation.

What is software?

Computer programs and associated documentation. Software products may be developed for a particular customer or may be developed for a general market

What is the difference between software engineering and computer science?

Computer science focuses on theory and fundamentals; software engineering is concerned with the practicalities of developing and delivering useful software.

Software engineering is important for two reasons:

More and more, individuals and society rely on advanced software systems

What are the costs of software engineering?

Roughly 60% of software costs are development costs; 40% are testing costs. For custom software, evolution costs often exceed development costs.

Efficiency

Software should not make wasteful use of system resources such as memory and processor cycles.

What are the fundamental software engineering activities?

Software specification, software development, software validation, and software evolution.

Stand-alone applications

These are application systems that run on a local computer, such as a PC

Interactive transaction-based applications

These are applications that execute on a remote computer and that are accessed by users from their own PCs or terminals

Embedded control systems

These are software control systems that control and manage hardware devices

Generic products

These are stand-alone systems that are produced by a development organization and sold on the open market to any customer who is able to buy them

Customized (or bespoke) products

These are systems that are commissioned by a particular customer.

Systems of systems

These are systems that are composed of a number of other software systems.

Systems for modeling and simulation

These are systems that are developed by scientists and engineers to model physical processes or situations, which include many, separate, interacting objects.

Entertainment system

These are systems that are primarily for personal use and which are intended to entertain the user

Data collection systems

These are systems that collect data from their environment using a set of sensors and send that data to other systems for processing.

sensor-based data collection system

This is a system whose primary purpose is to collect data from a set of sensors and process that data in some way.

information system

This is a system whose primary purpose is to manage and provide access to a database of information.

embedded system

This is a system where the software controls a hardware device and is embedded in that device.

What are the best software engineering techniques and methods?

While all software projects have to be professionally managed and developed, different techniques are appropriate for different types of system. For example, games should always be developed using a series of prototypes whereas safety critical control systems require a complete and analyzable specification to be developed. You can't, therefore, say that one method is better than another.

Intellectual property

You should be aware of local laws governing the use of intellectual property such as patents and copyright

Confidentiality

You should normally respect the ____ of your employers or clients irrespective of whether or not a formal _______ agreement has been signed.

Competence

You should not misrepresent your level of _______.

Computer misuse

You should not use your technical skills to misuse other people's computers

Business and social change

are changing incredibly quickly as emerging economies develop and new technologies become available

Batch processing systems

are often used in conjunction with web-based systems.

Security and trust

As software is intertwined with all aspects of our lives, it is essential that we can trust that software

Software engineering is related to both computer science and systems engineering:

Computer science is concerned with the theories and methods that underlie computers and software systems, whereas software engineering is concerned with the practical problems of producing software

What are the key challenges facing software engineering?

Coping with increasing diversity, demands for reduced delivery times, and developing trustworthy software.

Engineering discipline

Engineers make things work

What are the attributes of good software?

Good software should deliver the required functionality and performance to the user and should be maintainable, dependable, and usable.

Heterogeneity

Increasingly, systems are required to operate as distributed systems across networks that include different types of computer and mobile devices

Software engineering is important for two reasons:

It is usually cheaper, in the long run, to use software engineering methods and techniques for software systems rather than just write the programs as if it was a personal programming project.

Dependability and security

Software dependability includes a range of characteristics including reliability, security, and safety. Dependable software should not cause physical or economic damage in the event of system failure. Malicious users should not be able to access or damage the system.

What is software engineering?

Software engineering is an engineering discipline that is concerned with all aspects of software production.

All aspects of software production

Software engineering is not just concerned with the technical processes of software development

Acceptability

Software must be acceptable to the type of users for which it is designed.

Maintainability

Software should be written in such a way so that it can evolve to meet the changing needs of customers. This is a critical attribute because software change is an inevitable requirement of a changing business environment.

What is the difference between software engineering and system engineering?

System engineering is concerned with all aspects of computer-based systems development including hardware, software, and process engineering. Software engineering is part of this more general process.

Software engineering is related to both computer science and systems engineering:

System engineering is concerned with all aspects of the development and evolution of complex systems where software plays a major role

Software validation

where the software is checked to ensure that it is what the customer requires.

Software development

where the software is designed and programmed

Software evolution

where the software is modified to reflect changing customer and market requirements.