Software Engineering Fundamentals

Study Notes

Software Engineering Realities

Effort should be made to understand the problem before a software solution is developed
Design becomes a pivotal activity in software engineering
Software should exhibit high quality and be maintainable

Definitions of Software Engineering

The seminal definition: Software engineering is the establishment and use of sound engineering principles to obtain economically software that is reliable and works efficiently on real machines
The IEEE definition: Software engineering is the application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software

Layered Technology in Software Engineering

Automated or semi-automated support for the process and the methods
Tasks to support the processes, such as requirements analysis, modeling, and testing
A framework that forms the basis for management

Carrying Out the Plan

Ensuring the solution conforms to the plan
Source code traceability to the design model
Provable correctness of each component part of the solution
Reviewing and applying correctness proofs to algorithms

Examining the Result

Testing each component part of the solution
Implementing a reasonable testing strategy
Conforming to required data, functions, and features
Validating the software against all stakeholder requirements

Hooker's General Principles

The reason it all exists
Keeping it simple (KISS)
Maintaining the vision
Considering that what you produce, others will consume
Being open to the future
Planning ahead for reuse
Thinking!

Introduction to Software Engineering

Software engineering is the establishment and use of sound engineering principles to obtain economically software that is reliable and works efficiently on real machines
Understanding the process framework, process adaptation, and SE practices
Differentiating between software myths and facts

Description

Test your understanding of the basics of software engineering, including the importance of understanding the problem, designing high-quality software, and maintainability. Learn about the seminal definition of software engineering and its key principles.