software engineering
Essential attributes of good software
1. Maintainability 2. Dependability and Security 3. Efficiency 4. Acceptability
The official definition of software engineering
By IEEE: The technological and managerial discipline concerned with systematic production and maintenance of software products that are develop and modified on time and within cost estimated
Classic definition of software engineering
By boehm: The practical application of scientific knowledge in the design and construction of computer programs and the associated documentation required to develop, operate and maintain them.
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.
What are the key challenges facing software engineering?
Coping with increasing diversity, demands for reduced delivery times and developing trustworthy software.
Software products
Generic Products Customized Products
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
What does it mean that a program is a product?
It has a service function It has quality There is a cost of production There is a production deadline
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.
What is software engineering?
Software engineering is an engineering discipline that is concerned with all aspects of software production
What are the fundamental software engineering activities?
Software specification, software development, software validation and software evolution.
Customized products
Software that is commissioned by a specific customer to meet their own needs. Examples - embedded control systems, air traffic control software, traffic monitoring systems. The specification of what the software should do is owned by the customer for the software and they make decisions on software changes that are required.
Generic products
Stand-alone systems that are marketed and sold to any customer who wishes to buy them. Examples - PC software such as graphics programs, project management tools; CAD software; software for specific markets such as appointments systems for dentists. The specification of what the software should do is owned by the software developer and decisions on software change are made by the developer.
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.
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
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
