Software Engineering Fundamentals Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are the key characteristics that good software should possess?

  • Functionality and performance (correct)
  • Dependability and usability (correct)
  • Complexity and speed
  • Obscurity and maintenance

Which of the following is a primary focus of software engineering?

  • All aspects of software production (correct)
  • Hardware design principles
  • Mathematical algorithms and theories
  • Generic algorithm efficiency

What is a fundamental software engineering activity?

  • Software auditing
  • Software marketing
  • Software sales
  • Software specification (correct)

How does software engineering differ from computer science?

<p>Software engineering is more concerned with practicalities (D)</p>
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Which challenges do software engineering face today?

<p>Coping with increasing diversity (A)</p>
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What proportion of software costs are typically attributed to development?

<p>60% (D)</p>
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What is primarily concerned with the professional development of software?

<p>Software engineering (D)</p>
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What is a recommended practice for developing safety critical control systems?

<p>Complete and analyzable specification (C)</p>
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Which project type is best suited to a prototype-based development approach?

<p>Video games (A)</p>
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Why do software costs often dominate computer system costs?

<p>Software is more expensive to maintain than to develop. (D)</p>
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What can lead to software project failure?

<p>Failure to use software engineering methods. (A)</p>
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Which of the following is considered a significant fraction of GNP in developed nations?

<p>Software expenditure (D)</p>
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What is a characteristic of good software?

<p>It has comprehensive documentation. (B), It is adaptable to user changes. (C)</p>
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What has been a consequence of increasing system complexity in software engineering?

<p>Software products have become less reliable. (C)</p>
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Which scenario illustrates a common misconception about software development?

<p>Software development is straightforward and requires no training. (C), Writing programs without a method is acceptable in all cases. (D)</p>
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What contributes to software being more expensive over time?

<p>The necessity of regular updates. (B), Complexity of software systems increases. (C)</p>
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What does efficiency in software encompass?

<p>Responsiveness, processing time, and memory utilisation (D)</p>
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What is meant by 'acceptability' in software design?

<p>The software must be understandable, usable, and compatible (B)</p>
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Which of the following best describes the scope of software engineering?

<p>All aspects of software production, including management and tools (D)</p>
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What is a key reason to adopt software engineering methods over personal programming projects?

<p>To reduce the long-term costs of software changes (C)</p>
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Which activity comes first in the software process?

<p>Software specification (A)</p>
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What is meant by software evolution?

<p>The ongoing modification of software to meet changing requirements (C)</p>
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Which issue is crucial for modern software systems operating in varied environments?

<p>Heterogeneity in distributed systems (D)</p>
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Which of the following is NOT a software process activity?

<p>Software marketing (A)</p>
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What is a primary characteristic of stand-alone applications?

<p>They run on a local computer and include all necessary functionality. (A)</p>
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Which type of software system is most prevalent numerically?

<p>Embedded control systems (D)</p>
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What determines the software engineering methods and tools used in development?

<p>The application type, customer requirements, and development team background (C)</p>
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What type of software system processes large amounts of data in batches?

<p>Batch processing systems (A)</p>
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What is a key issue that must be addressed in software development?

<p>Security and trust in software applications (A)</p>
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What characterizes interactive transaction-based applications?

<p>They rely on remote computers and user access from terminals. (D)</p>
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Which of the following application types is specifically designed to entertain users?

<p>Entertainment systems (D)</p>
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How do emerging economies and new technologies affect software requirements?

<p>They require rapid development and modification of existing software. (B)</p>
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What is the primary purpose of the ACM/IEEE Code of Ethics?

<p>To promote beneficial practices in software engineering. (C)</p>
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Who are the intended signatories of the ACM/IEEE Code of Ethics?

<p>Members of professional societies in the US. (D)</p>
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How many principles are outlined in the ACM/IEEE Code of Ethics?

<p>Eight (B)</p>
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What should software engineers commit themselves to according to the code?

<p>Ensuring their work benefits society. (D)</p>
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What is a potential consequence of the roles held by software engineers?

<p>They have opportunities to enable good or cause harm. (A)</p>
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What aspect is emphasized by the Preamble of the ACM/IEEE Code of Ethics?

<p>The balance between aspirations and practical details. (A)</p>
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Which groups are included in the scope of the Code of Ethics?

<p>Educators and policy makers. (B)</p>
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What can be inferred about the role of software engineers in society?

<p>They are crucial in the development of ethical software practices. (B)</p>
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Which principle emphasizes the importance of acting in the best interests of clients while considering public interest?

<p>Client and Employer (B)</p>
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Which principle focuses on the integrity and independence of decision-making?

<p>Judgment (C)</p>
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What does the principle focused on colleagues emphasize?

<p>Acting fairly and supportively towards peers (B)</p>
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In which situation would software engineers encounter an ethical dilemma regarding their principles?

<p>When their employer releases a safety-critical system without adequate testing (A)</p>
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Which principle pertains to the promotion of ethical management practices in software development?

<p>Management (C)</p>
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Flashcards

What is software?

Computer programs along with their documentation.

Software Engineering

Software engineering is concerned with the theory, methods, and tools used to develop software professionally.

Software Costs

Software costs often exceed the cost of hardware, particularly for personal computers. Maintenance expenses over time can even surpass development costs.

Software Project Failure

Software development projects sometimes fail due to complex systems, lack of proper software engineering methods, and insufficient planning.

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Why is Software Engineering Important?

Software engineering is essential for managing increasingly complex systems, especially in a world of ever-evolving technologies and demands.

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Attributes of Good Software

Good software should be reliable, maintainable, efficient, and easy to use.

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Software Engineering in a Nutshell

Software engineering deals with the development, maintenance, and operation of software systems by applying principles of engineering.

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Software's Impact on Modern Economies

The economies of developed nations heavily rely on software, highlighting its importance in modern society.

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What is software engineering?

The process of designing, developing, and maintaining software systems.

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What are the fundamental software engineering activities?

Software specification, software development, software validation, and software evolution.

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What is the difference between software engineering and computer science?

Computer science focuses on the theory and fundamentals of computing, while software engineering focuses on the practical application of those principles to develop useful software.

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What is the difference between software engineering and system engineering?

System engineering encompasses all aspects of computer-based systems development, including hardware, software, and process engineering. Software engineering is a part of this broader process.

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What are the key challenges facing software engineering?

The challenges software engineers face include adapting to changing technologies, meeting tight deadlines, and ensuring the reliability of their software.

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What are the costs of software engineering?

Around 60% of software costs are allocated to development and 40% to testing. For custom software, the cost of maintaining and evolving the software often surpasses its initial development cost.

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What are the best software engineering techniques and methods?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to software engineering. The best techniques and methods are determined by the nature of the specific software project.

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Why is there no single best software engineering method?

Software engineering is a constantly evolving field, and there is no single definitive "best" method. The most effective approach depends on the specific project's requirements and constraints.

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Efficiency in software

The software system's ability to respond quickly and efficiently to user requests, including factors like processing time and memory usage.

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Software Acceptability

Software must be designed so that users find it understandable, easy to use, and compatible with other systems they rely on.

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Engineering Discipline in Software

Software engineering employs established theories and methods to solve software problems, considering practical constraints such as budget and organizational needs.

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All Aspects of Software Production

Software engineering focuses on all aspects of software creation beyond just coding. It involves project management, tool development, and methodologies to support the entire software lifecycle.

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Importance of Software Engineering Today

As societies increasingly rely on software, the need for producing reliable and trustworthy software systems economically and quickly has become paramount.

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Post-Launch Software Costs

For most software systems, the majority of long-term costs stem from modifications and updates after the initial launch.

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Software Process Activities

The four main activities in a software development process: defining requirements, designing and building, testing, and adapting to changes.

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Software Trust

Software must be built to be trusted because it is used in all areas of our lives.

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Software Scale

The ability for software to handle different sizes of systems, from small devices to large cloud-based platforms.

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Stand-alone Application

An application that runs on a singular computer, like a personal PC, and doesn't require an internet connection.

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Embedded Control Systems

Software systems interact with hardware to control and manage devices like those in cars or appliances.

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Batch Processing Systems

Systems designed to process and generate data in large quantities.

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Entertainment Systems

Systems that entertain users like games, music players, and streaming services.

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Software Engineering Diversity

Software engineering solutions must be tailored to the specific requirements of each project, including the application type, user needs, and developer expertise.

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Interactive Transaction-based Applications

Applications accessed remotely over a network, often through web browsers, such as e-commerce websites.

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Public Interest

Software engineers should always prioritize the well-being and interests of the public, ensuring their actions don't harm or endanger them.

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Client & Employer

Software engineers need to act in the best interests of their clients and employers, but always within the boundaries of the public interest.

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Product Quality

Software engineers should strive for the highest quality in their software products, meeting professional standards and ensuring reliability and functionality.

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Independent Judgment

Software engineers must maintain independent judgment and integrity, not letting personal biases or pressure influence their decisions.

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Ethical Management

Managers and leaders in software engineering are responsible for fostering and promoting an ethical culture within their teams, encouraging ethical practices in development.

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What is the ACM/IEEE Code of Ethics?

The ACM/IEEE Code of Ethics sets out principles for software engineers to follow in their professional practice, covering areas like honesty, fairness, and responsibility.

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What is the purpose of the ACM/IEEE Code of Ethics?

The Code guides software engineers in their professional activities. It covers various aspects like ethical conduct, decision-making, and interactions with colleagues, clients, and the public.

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What is the 'do good, cause no harm' principle in the Code of Ethics?

Software engineers should strive to use their skills for good and avoid causing harm, recognizing the potential impact of their creations on society.

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What is the role of responsibility in the Code of Ethics?

Software engineers must be responsible for the work they produce, upholding professional standards and ensuring the quality and integrity of their software.

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Why is honesty and integrity important in the Code of Ethics?

Software engineers have a responsibility to act with honesty and integrity in their professional dealings, protecting the confidentiality of information and avoiding conflicts of interest.

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What role does public welfare play in the Code of Ethics?

Software engineers should be aware of the potential impact of their work and strive to create software that is beneficial and protects users' rights.

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What is the role of professional development in the Code of Ethics?

The Code of Ethics encourages software engineers to contribute to their profession through education, outreach, and professional development, helping to improve the overall quality of the software industry.

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How does the Code of Ethics contribute to public trust?

By adhering to the Code of Ethics, software engineers promote public trust in the profession, ensuring that software development is conducted responsibly and ethically.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Software & Software Engineering

  • Software engineering is a discipline concerned with theories, methods, and tools for professional software development.
  • Developed nations' economies depend on software.
  • Expenditure on software is a significant portion of GNP in developed countries.
  • Software costs often exceed hardware costs.
  • Maintenance costs are often several times development costs.
  • Software engineering aims for cost-effective development.

Topics Covered

  • Software & Software Engineering
  • Software engineering ethics

Software Project Failure

  • Increasing system complexity leads to changing demands for larger, more complex systems, requiring faster delivery.
  • Failure to use software engineering methods results in higher costs and reduced reliability.

Software Costs

  • Software costs often dominate computer system costs.
  • Software is more costly to maintain than to develop, especially for long-life systems.

Software Products

  • Generic products: Standalone systems sold to customers (e.g., PC software, CAD tools, dentist appointments).
  • Customized products: Commissioned to meet specific customer needs (e.g., embedded control systems, air traffic control software).

Product Specification

  • Generic products: Software developers own the specification and make decisions on changes.
  • Customized products: Customers own the specification and make decisions on software changes.

Essential Attributes of Good Software

  • Maintainability: Ability to adapt to changing customer needs.
  • Dependability and security: Reliability, safety, and preventing malicious access.
  • Efficiency: Optimal use of system resources (memory, processing time).
  • Acceptability: Understandable, usable, and compatible with existing systems.

Software Engineering

  • An engineering discipline encompassing all aspects of software production, from initial specification to ongoing maintenance.
  • Using appropriate theories and methods to solve problems while considering organizational and financial constraints.
  • Encompasses all aspects from development to project management, tools, and methods.

Importance of Software Engineering

  • Growing reliance on software necessitates producing reliable systems efficiently.
  • Using software engineering techniques is usually cheaper in the long term than creating systems without formalized methods.

Software Process Activities

  • Software specification: Defining the software and its operating constraints based on customer requirements.
  • Software development: Designing and programming the software.
  • Software validation: Checking software to ensure it meets customer requirements.
  • Software evolution: Modifying software to meet changing needs.

General Issues Affecting Software

  • Heterogeneity: Systems operate across diverse networks of different computer and mobile devices.
  • Business and social change: Rapid changes in business and new technologies require adaptive software and rapid development.
  • Security and trust: Software needs to be trustworthy in vital applications.
  • Scale: Software must be adaptable from small embedded systems to global, cloud-based systems.

Software Engineering Diversity

  • Diverse system types require varying techniques and tools.
  • Method selection depends on factors like application type, customer needs, and development team expertise.

Internet Software Engineering

  • Web platform dominance for applications.
  • Web services allow accessing application functionality across the web
  • Cloud computing provides computer services; software is accessed and used based on need.

Web-based Software Engineering

  • Complex distributed systems but applicable principles for software engineering still apply.
  • Fundamental ideas, applicable to all software types.

Web Software Engineering Continues

  • Software reuse: Assembling systems and components from pre-existing software.
  • Incremental/agile development: Continuously developing and delivering software based on dynamic requirements.
  • Service-oriented systems: Implemented using separate web services.
  • Rich interfaces: Technologies like AJAX & HTML5 support rich interfaces.

Software Engineering Ethics

  • Wider responsibilities than just technical skills; software engineers must be honest and ethically responsible.
  • Ethical behavior is about upholding moral principles.

Issues of Professional Responsibility

  • Confidentiality: Respecting client and employer confidentiality.
  • Competence: Not misrepresenting skills or accepting work outside one's capabilities.
  • Intellectual property rights: Following laws; protecting intellectual property.
  • Computer misuse: Avoiding unauthorized use or damaging computer systems.

ACM/IEEE Code of Ethics

  • Professional societies (ACM/IEEE) promote ethical codes for developers, educators, managers, and others.

Rationale for the Code of Ethics

  • Importance of software in diverse fields and potential for harm; software engineers need to do good.
  • Software engineers need to act ethically to ensure ethical use.

The ACM/IEEE Code of Ethics

  • Summary, details, and principles.
  • Professional standards and ethical principles.

Ethical Principles

  • Public interest
  • Client and employer
  • Product
  • Judgement
  • Management
  • Profession
  • Colleagues
  • Self

Ethical Dilemmas

  • Disagreement with senior management policies.
  • Unethical employer actions and releasing faulty systems.
  • Participation in military or nuclear weapons systems development.

Application Types

  • Stand-alone
  • Interactive transaction-based
  • Embedded control systems
  • Batch processing
  • Entertainment
  • Systems for modeling and simulation
  • Data collection
  • Systems of systems

Software Engineering Fundamentals

  • Systems developed with a managed, understood process.
  • Dependability and performance are crucial.
  • Understanding and managing specifications.
  • Reuse existing software components wherever possible.

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