Introduction to Software Engineering

Study Notes

Software is a set of instructions (computer programs) that provide desired features and functionality, data structures that enable manipulation of information, and documentation that explains program operation and use.

System software is the foundation of a computer system, providing basic operating and management services.
Application software is designed to fulfill end-user requirements and provide specific functionality.
Engineering/Scientific software supports specific engineering and scientific calculations and analysis.
Embedded software is integrated within hardware devices, controlling specific functions and operations.
Product-line software is a collection of software products sharing a common foundation, designed for a specific market.
Web/Mobile applications are accessible through web browsers or mobile devices, providing various services and functionalities.
AI software encompasses areas like robotics, neural networks, and game playing, focusing on intelligent systems.

Software needs to evolve to adapt to new computing environments, technologies, and business requirements.
Legacy software often requires enhancements, interoperability with newer systems, and re-architecting for network environments.

Software engineering applies systematic, disciplined, and quantifiable approaches for developing, operating, and maintaining software.
It involves engineering principles for software.

Foundation layer: fundamental concepts like algorithms, data structures, programming languages, computer architecture, and operating systems.
Process layer: defines software development processes, methodologies, and models.
Tools layer: provides software development tools and environments that support the development process.
Method layer: encompasses methods and techniques for software design, development, testing, and maintenance.
Quality layer: focuses on quality assurance and control, establishing standards and procedures for software quality.

Software project tracking and control: monitors and manages projects.
Risk management: identifies and mitigates potential risks.
Software quality assurance: ensures software meets quality standards.
Technical reviews: evaluates work products for correctness and adherence to standards.
Measurement: collects and analyzes data to evaluate performance and make improvements.
Software configuration management: controls changes and releases.
Reusability management: promotes the reuse of software components.
Work product preparation and production: focuses on documentation and task management.

Communication: facilitates effective exchange of information among stakeholders.
Planning: defines project goals, timelines, and resources.
Modeling: creates representations of the system and its components.
Analysis of requirements: identifies and defines user needs and system requirements.
Design: develops system structure, architecture, and interfaces.
Construction (code generation): implements the design in code.
Testing: verifies software functionality and quality through various tests.
Deployment: releases software to users.

Understand the problem (communication and analysis): involves identifying stakeholders, defining unknowns, and breaking down the problems into manageable pieces.
Plan a solution (modeling and design): leverages existing knowledge, patterns, and solutions to design an effective solution.
Carry out the plan (code generation): implements the solution using code.
Examine the result for accuracy (testing & quality assurance): tests software thoroughly to ensure it meets quality standards and user requirements.

What is software? Instructions that execute to provide functionality, data structures, and documentation.
What is software engineering? The systematic, disciplined approach for developing, operating, and maintaining software.
Difference between software and software engineering: Software is the product, software engineering is the process to create and manage it.