COS 3113 Software Engineering Chapter 1

Study Notes

Software consists of programs, documentation, data, and operating procedure manuals.
Key difference: Programs are sets of instructions, while software encompasses all associated materials.

Integral to various fields including transportation, medical, telecommunications, military, industrial, and entertainment.
Increasing reliance on software systems highlights its critical role in modern society.

Generic Products: Stand-alone systems marketed to a broad customer base (e.g., Excel, Word, CAD software, games).
Customized/Bespoke Products: Tailored to meet specific customer needs; examples include control systems for electronics.

System Software: Interfaces with hardware, allows multiple users, and handles concurrent operations (e.g., Windows, Linux).
Real-Time Software: Manages and controls live events (e.g., air traffic control systems).
Business Software: Facilitates functions like payroll and inventory management.
Engineering/Scientific Software: Assists in engineering tasks (e.g., CAD, MATLAB).
Embedded Software: Resides in ROM, controls non-computer devices like robots and appliances.

Engineering discipline focused on the entire software lifecycle, from system specification to maintenance.

Essential for timely, budget-friendly software development while minimizing defects and managing quality.
Addresses attributes like maintainability, reliability, security, efficiency, and acceptability.

Maintainability: Ability to evolve with changing customer needs.
Reliability and Security: Should prevent damage from failures and secure against unauthorized access.
Efficiency: Optimizes resource usage (memory, processing power).
Acceptability: Must be user-friendly and compatible with existing systems.

Specification: Defining software requirements and constraints with customers.
Development: Designing and programming the software.
Validation: Ensuring the software meets customer needs.
Evolution: Modifying software to adapt to changing requirements.

Heterogeneity: Need for compatibility between different distributed systems.
Business and Social Change: Fast-paced evolution of business demands flexible software solutions.
Security and Trust: Essential for software integrated into daily life to ensure reliability and safety.
Scale: Software must cater to a wide range of applications from small devices to large cloud systems.

Increasing trend towards developing web-based systems instead of local applications.
Web services facilitate access to application functionality via the internet.

Connectivity: Desktop software can function offline; web-based requires internet.
Scalability: Desktop depends on client hardware; web-based scales from server-side.
Installation: Desktop requires installation; web-based runs in a browser.
Licensing: Management of desktop software licenses is complex; web-based licenses are linked to user accounts.

A patient information system designed for mental health care management.
Integrates a centralized database but allows offline access through local installations.

Individual Care Management: Clinicians create and manage patient records.
Patient Monitoring: Alerts for potential issues based on patient data.
Administrative Reporting: Generates detailed reports on clinic operations and patient treatment.