Introduction to Software Engineering

What is Software Engineering?

• Software: Collection of programs designed to accomplish specific tasks.
• Engineering: Application of scientific and practical knowledge for design, construction, and improvement of systems.
• Definition of Software Engineering: An engineering discipline addressing the entire lifecycle from system specification to maintenance post-deployment.

Software Application Domains

• Seven broad categories categorize software based on functionality and usage.

• System Software:

  • Provides a platform for other software.
  • Examples: Operating systems like Android, Windows, Linux, macOS.

• Application Software:

  • Stand-alone programs addressing specific business needs.
  • Examples: MS Office, Chrome, Adobe Photoshop, Skype.

• Engineering/Scientific Software:

  • Designed for scientific or engineering tasks.
  • Examples: MATLAB, AUTOCAD, PSPICE, ORCAD.

• Embedded Software:

  • Resides within a product, controlling features/functions for users.
  • Examples: Microwave oven controls, washing machine interfaces.

• Web Applications:

  • Accessible through web browsers, offering various functions.
  • Examples: Online forms, shopping carts, video editing.

• Product-line/Business Software:

  • Supports business applications; most widely used category.
  • Examples: Inventory management, banking software, hospital systems.

• Artificial Intelligence Software:

  • Mimics human behavior through data learning.
  • Examples: Robotics, expert systems, pattern recognition, neural networks.

System Software vs Application Software

• System Software:

  • Maintains system resources and enables application software.
  • Typically written in low-level languages.
  • System requires software to function; operates in the background.
  • Example: Operating system.

• Application Software:

  • Built for specific user tasks; operates independently.
  • Generally written in high-level languages.
  • Dependent on system software for functionality.
  • Example: Photoshop, VLC player.

Software Engineering vs Computer Engineering

• Software Engineering:

  • Focuses on software production, processes involved, and application of engineering principles.

• Computer Engineering:

  • Covers both software and hardware, providing insight into networking, processors, and databases.
  • Forms the foundational basis of Software Engineering.

Essential Attributes of a Good Software

• Maintainability:

  • Must evolve over time to accommodate changing customer needs.

• Dependability and Security:

  • Reliability, security, and safety are key characteristics of dependable software.