Software Engineering Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What does software engineering primarily aim to achieve?

  • Systematically reducing the number of software developers
  • Applying engineering principles to obtain reliable and efficient software (correct)
  • Creating software that is affordable for market entry
  • Developing software exclusively for governmental use

Why is design considered a pivotal activity in software engineering?

  • To eliminate the need for testing software applications
  • Due to the simplicity of modern software requirements
  • Because it guarantees that all software will operate on any platform
  • Because requirements have become complex and involve large teams and multiple platforms (correct)

What is a significant factor contributing to the increased need for effective software engineering?

  • The diminishing number of users relying on software applications
  • The large number of stakeholders interested in application features and functions (correct)
  • Reduction in the number of operating systems available
  • The availability of a greater number of software languages

According to the IEEE definition, which of the following is NOT included in software engineering?

<p>Development of hardware systems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do increased failure rates due to side effects have on software?

<p>They negatively impact the long-term support of software products (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of WebApps?

<p>To provide standalone functionality and integrate with databases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following technologies enhance the capability of modern WebApps?

<p>XML and Java (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key feature characterizes cloud computing?

<p>Sharing of computing resources on a broad scale (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes product line software from other software categories?

<p>Development from a common set of core assets for a specific market (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do semantic web technologies contribute to WebApps?

<p>They enable complex databases that require web linking (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three components included in the definition of software?

<p>Instructions, data structures, and documentation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is software different from physical products?

<p>Software can be easily copied and distributed without degradation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how most software is created?

<p>Software is usually custom-built to meet specific requirements. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of customized software?

<p>It is created to address the specific needs of a particular customer. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does software function as a product?

<p>It delivers computing potential and manages information. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the role of software in system functionality?

<p>Software supports or provides system functionality directly. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the dual role of software?

<p>Software acts as both a product and a vehicle for delivering system functionalities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of software are generally considered as customized products?

<p>Software like embedded control systems and traffic monitoring systems (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of system software?

<p>To provide services for other programs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of software is specifically designed to provide capabilities for diverse customers?

<p>Product-Line Software (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of embedded software?

<p>To reside within a product and perform limited functions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For which of the following scenarios is engineering/scientific software most applicable?

<p>Analyzing data related to orbital dynamics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason why legacy software must change?

<p>To adapt to new business requirements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of application software?

<p>File management utilities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

AI software is characterized by its use of which type of algorithms?

<p>Non-numerical algorithms for complex problem solving (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of applications include both browser-based apps and software on mobile devices?

<p>Web/Mobile Applications (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for software to exhibit high quality?

<p>To minimize the impact of software failures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be planned in the software engineering process according to Polya's method?

<p>Understanding the problem through stakeholder analysis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the maintenance aspect of software quality?

<p>The software should be adaptable to future changes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In planning a solution, what is crucial to consider according to the guidelines provided?

<p>Reusability of elements from similar problems (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is essential in the 'Carry Out the Plan' stage of the software development process?

<p>Conformance of the solution to the design model (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be established when examining the results of the software?

<p>A thorough testing strategy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What question is critical during the 'Understand the Problem' phase?

<p>Who are the stakeholders involved? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an objective of the 'Examine the Result' phase?

<p>To validate against stakeholder requirements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a software process?

<p>To create work products efficiently while satisfying sponsors and users (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are considered framework activities in the software process?

<p>Planning and Modeling (A), Deployment and Quality Assurance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does risk management play in software engineering?

<p>It helps in identifying potential problems and mitigating them (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of successful software engineers?

<p>Indifference to team dynamics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the construction phase in the software process primarily involve?

<p>Code generation and testing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which umbrella activity focuses on ensuring the quality of the software product?

<p>Technical reviews (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'work products' in the context of software engineering?

<p>Any outputs produced during the software process, including documents and code (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is a sense of individual responsibility important for software engineers?

<p>It fosters an environment where team members can rely on one another (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Software?

A set of instructions (programs), data structures, and documentation that provides desired features, functions, and performance.

How is software created?

Software is developed or engineered. It is not manufactured in the traditional sense.

Does software wear out?

Software doesn't wear out like physical products. It can degrade over time due to changes or bugs.

What is Custom-Built Software?

Software designed for a specific customer's needs. Examples include embedded systems, air traffic control, and traffic monitoring.

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What are the Dual Roles of Software?

Software is both a product (delivers computing power) and a tool (supports or delivers system functionality).

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Examples of Software

Examples of popular software include Google, Gmail, Facebook, CAMSys, WhatsApp, Waze, Word, and Notepad.

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Software's Dual Role

Software, as a product, provides computing power and deals with information, while as a vehicle, it supports system functionality, controls other programs, effects communication, and is used to build other software.

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What is Software Engineering?

Software Engineering is the systematic approach to the design, development, and maintenance of software systems.

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Failure Rate

The rate at which software begins to fail after being released.

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Software Deterioration

Deterioration occurs when the failure rate increases due to unintended side effects of changes or bug fixes.

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Why is Software Engineering Important?

The importance of software engineering stems from growing complexity, increased demand, and reliance on software for critical functions.

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Dual Roles of Software

Software acts as both a product and a tool, delivering computing power and supporting other systems.

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Who are the stakeholders?

The individuals or groups who have an interest in the software project's success.

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What are the unknowns?

Understanding the specific requirements, data, functions, and features that are necessary to solve the problem.

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Can the problem be compartmentalized?

Breaking down the problem into smaller, more manageable sub-problems for easier understanding and solution.

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Are there recognizable patterns in a potential solution?

Identifying recurring patterns or solutions that have been used in similar problems.

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Is there existing software that implements the required features?

Examining existing software to see if it already implements the required data, functions, and features.

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Is source code traceable to the design model?

Documenting the design and code in a way that clearly shows the relationship between them.

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Is each component part of the solution provably correct?

Verifying that each component of the software actually works as intended.

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Has the software been validated against all stakeholder requirements?

Ensuring that the completed software meets all the requirements and expectations of the stakeholders.

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What is a process?

A set of actions, tasks, and activities that are performed to create a deliverable.

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What is a software process?

A flexible approach that allows software teams to choose the most suitable actions and tasks for their project.

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What is a process framework?

A blueprint for software projects, defining the activities, work products, and quality checkpoints.

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What are framework activities?

These apply to all software projects, regardless of size or complexity.

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What are umbrella activities?

These activities are applied across the entire software process, regardless of the specific tasks.

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What are the framework activities for software projects?

The activities involved in understanding and gathering requirements, creating a design, and implementing the software.

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What are umbrella activities for software projects?

These activities are responsible for managing and controlling the entire software development process.

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What are the traits of successful software engineers?

These are the traits that successful software engineers typically possess.

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System Software

Programs designed to support other programs, such as compilers, editors, and file management tools.

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What are WebApps?

Web-based applications that go beyond simple web pages, often integrating with databases and corporate systems.

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Application Software

Programs designed to meet specific needs, such as inventory control, point-of-sale systems, or cinema ticketing.

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What are Mobile Applications?

Software specifically designed to run on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

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Embedded Software

Software that resides inside a product or system, performing specific functions. Examples include fuel control in a car, braking systems, or a keypad on a microwave.

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What is Cloud Computing?

A system that allows users to access computing resources (like storage and software) over the internet, from anywhere.

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What is Product Line Software?

A group of software products sharing common features, designed for specific needs within a market segment.

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Product-Line Software

Software created to cater to various customers with the same core capabilities. Examples include inventory control products for different businesses.

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How have WebApps evolved?

WebApps have evolved with technologies like XML and Java, allowing interactive computing and integration with databases.

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Web/Mobile Applications

Software designed for web browsers or mobile devices, providing access to services and features.

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AI Software

Software that uses advanced algorithms to solve complex problems, like robotics, expert systems, or pattern recognition.

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Legacy Software

Software that requires adaptation to meet modern environments, new business needs, interoperability with other systems, or network requirements.

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Software Categories (WebApps, Mobile, Cloud, Product-Line Software)

A general term used to describe the broad category of software that covers a wide range of products and applications.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Software Engineering

  • Software engineering is a process, not a manufacturing process.
  • Software does not "wear out" in the same way that physical products do.
  • Most software is custom-built, although component-based construction is becoming more common.
  • Software is a set of items, including instructions (computer programs), data structures, and documentation.

Defining Software

  • Software is a configuration of instructions, data structures, and documentation that together enable the programs to deliver the expected performance.

What is Software?

  • Software is developed or engineered, not manufactured.
  • Examples of software include Google, Gmail, Facebook, CAMSys, WhatsApp, Waze, Word, and Notepad.
  • Software plays a dual role: as a product and as a means to deliver a product.

Software's Dual Role

  • Software delivers computing potential, producing, managing, acquiring, modifying, displaying, or transmitting information.
  • Software supports or directly provides functionality.
  • Software controls other programs and effects communications.
  • Software can be used to build other software.

Wear vs. Deterioration

  • Software's failure rate initially decreases, but increases over time due to accumulated changes and side effects.

Definition of Software Engineering

  • The seminal definition of software engineering is the establishment and use of sound engineering principles that are reliable and work on real machines.
  • The IEEE definition of software engineering is the application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software.

Importance of Software Engineering

  • Understanding the problem, planning a solution, carrying out the plan, and examining the result are crucial components of software engineering.
  • The increasing number of people, platforms, and devices involved in software development makes coordinated and careful design crucial.
  • Individuals, businesses, and governments increasingly rely on software for decision-making and operations, thus exhibiting a need for high quality and maintainable software.
  • As software grows in value, demands for adaptation and enhancement will increase, requiring a strong concept of maintenance.

Software Engineering Layers

  • Software engineering is composed of layers: tools, methods, process models, and management control.
  • A focus on "quality" is critical within the layers.

Software Engineering Practice

  • Polya suggests a systematic approach: understanding the problem, planning the solution, carrying it out and inspecting the result.

Understand the Problem

  • Identifying stakeholders, unknowns, required data, functions, features and possible compartmentalization or graphic representation of the problem helps in properly formulating the problem space.

Plan the Solution

  • Identify reusable solutions, define subproblems, and create analysis models, design models
  • Considering existing models or patterns is helpful in developing a solution.

Carry Out the Plan

  • Ensure the solution conforms to the plan, and that the code is traceable to the model.
  • Correctness proofs and code review practices are key to ensuring quality.

Examine the Result

  • Ensure testability of components.
  • Evaluate if the result meets requirements and if the software is validated to meet all stakeholder needs.

Software Process

  • A software process is an adaptable approach enabling teams to work on the appropriate tasks and activities needed to complete the job.
  • Good software process leads to timely delivery and excellent quality, to satisfy stakeholders and users.

Process Framework

  • Framework activities are applicable to all software projects, including work tasks, work products (milestones & deliverables), QA checkpoints.
  • Umbrella activities are applicable to all areas of software projects, including Risk Management, Software Project Tracking and Control, Software Quality Assurance, Technical Reviews, Measurement, Software Configuration Management, Reusability Management, and Work Product Preparation and Production

Framework Activities

  • Communication, Planning, Modeling, Design, Construction, Code Generation, Testing, Deployment

Umbrella Activities (Management & Control)

  • Project Tracking and Control, Risk Management, Software Quality Assurance, Technical Reviews, Measurement, Software Configuration Management, Reusability Management, Work Product Preparation and Production

Behavioral Model for Software Engineering

  • The model illustrates the interconnectedness of individual to company, organizational actions, and project.
  • It emphasizes that software engineering is not limited to technical components, but also considers human factors such as cognition, motivation, and organizational behavior.

Characteristics of a Software Engineer

  • A successful software engineer exhibits traits of responsibility, awareness of team and stakeholder needs, constructive criticism of design flaws, resilience under pressure, a sense of fairness, attention to detail, and pragmatism.

Software Application Domains

  • System Software (utilities, compilers, editors)
  • Application Software (addressing specific business needs)
  • Engineering/Scientific Software ("number-crunching")
  • Embedded Software (limited functions within products)
  • Product-Line Software (common features for multiple products)
  • Web/Mobile Applications (browser-based or mobile device apps)
  • AI Software (using non-numerical algorithms)

Software Categories: WebApps, Mobile, Cloud, Product-Line Software

  • WebApps combine web technologies and business functions
  • Mobile applications are designed for specific mobile platforms
  • Cloud computing facilitates distributed data storage and processing
  • Product-line software represents many products sharing common features.

Legacy Software

  • Legacy software needs adaptation to respond to new computing needs, technology, business requirements and interoperability.

Modern WebApps

  • Modern WebApps improve on hypertext capabilities including interactive computing using XML and Java.

Mobile Applications

  • Mobile applications are tightly integrated with device characteristics and capabilities.

Cloud Computing

  • Provides distributed data storage and processing through networked devices

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Lecture 1 Introduction to Software Engineering PDF

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