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Questions and Answers
What is the primary goal of a software process?
What is the primary goal of a software process?
Which of the following best describes the attribute of dependability in software?
Which of the following best describes the attribute of dependability in software?
Which is NOT considered a fundamental activity in a software process?
Which is NOT considered a fundamental activity in a software process?
What is one of the key challenges facing software engineering in the 21st century?
What is one of the key challenges facing software engineering in the 21st century?
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What does usability in software development emphasize?
What does usability in software development emphasize?
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What is the first step in the engineering method?
What is the first step in the engineering method?
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How do software engineers typically manage complexity in systems?
How do software engineers typically manage complexity in systems?
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Which statement correctly describes knowledge acquisition in software engineering?
Which statement correctly describes knowledge acquisition in software engineering?
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What significant issue is described as part of the software crisis?
What significant issue is described as part of the software crisis?
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Which aspect differentiates software engineering from computer science?
Which aspect differentiates software engineering from computer science?
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Why is modeling useful in software engineering?
Why is modeling useful in software engineering?
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Which of the following is NOT a skill aimed to be acquired through studying software engineering?
Which of the following is NOT a skill aimed to be acquired through studying software engineering?
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What is a common misconception about the knowledge acquisition process in software engineering?
What is a common misconception about the knowledge acquisition process in software engineering?
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What characterizes bespoke software?
What characterizes bespoke software?
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Which aspect is NOT a purpose of software engineering?
Which aspect is NOT a purpose of software engineering?
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What is a primary outcome of software engineering?
What is a primary outcome of software engineering?
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In software engineering, what does systematic development imply?
In software engineering, what does systematic development imply?
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How is software defined?
How is software defined?
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What differentiates software products from simple computer programs?
What differentiates software products from simple computer programs?
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What is NOT a characteristic of a generic software product?
What is NOT a characteristic of a generic software product?
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Which of the following reflects the problem-solving aspect of software engineering?
Which of the following reflects the problem-solving aspect of software engineering?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Software Engineering
- Software is a collection of instructions, data, or programs designed to operate a computer and execute tasks.
- In simpler terms, software tells a computer how to function, encompassing applications, scripts, and programs running on devices like PCs, mobile phones, and tablets.
- Without software, most computers are unusable. Web browsers are a type of software.
What is Engineering?
- Engineering focuses on creating products using scientific principles and methods.
Software Engineering
- Software engineering is a branch of engineering focusing on building software using scientific principles, methods, and procedures.
- The end result of software engineering is creating reliable and efficient software products.
What is Software?
- Software includes computer programs and related documentation.
- Software can be developed for a specific customer (bespoke) or the wider market (generic).
- Generic software is designed to be available to many customers.
- Bespoke software is tailor-made for a single customer.
Programs vs. Software Products
- Programs are typically small and used by the creator.
- Software products are larger with many users and demand careful development, including a team of developers, well-designed interfaces, well-documented user manuals, and structured development processes.
What is Software Engineering?
- Software engineering involves the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software.
- It uses systematic and disciplined approaches to develop high-quality, reliable, and maintainable software.
- Software engineering involves modeling, problem-solving, and knowledge acquisition activities.
Software Engineering Activities
- Modeling: Software engineers create abstract models of systems to understand complex systems, focusing on relevant details.
- Problem Solving: This includes steps like formulating the problem, analyzing it, designing, implementing a solution and deploying it.
- Knowledge Acquisition: Software engineers collect, organize, and formalize data to develop system knowledge. Acquiring this knowledge is not always a linear process.
- Rationale-driven: The development of effective systems involves understanding reasoning.
Why Study Software Engineering?
- Developing large-scale software programs
- Solving complex programming problems
- Become a better programmer
- Develop quality software products
Software Crisis
- Software maintenance costs were comparable to development costs.
- Projects often exceeded deadlines.
- Software was typically inefficient and of low quality.
- Software frequently did not meet user requirements.
- Resources were not optimally utilized.
- Debugging, maintaining and updating software presented challenges.
Difference Between Computer Science and Software Engineering
- Computer science focuses on the theoretical foundations of computing. This includes algorithms, data structures, complexity theory, and numerical methods.
- Software engineering focuses on developing practical software, addressing practical problems in complex software products.
The Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK)
- The SWEBOK provides a structure for understanding and organizing software engineering knowledge.
Software Processes
- Software processes comprise a series of activities to develop or improve software.
- Key activities include:
- Specification: Defining what the system should do and its development constraints.
- Development: Creating the software system.
- Validation: Ensuring the software meets requirements.
- Evolution: Modifying the software in response to changing needs.
Attributes of Good Software
- Maintainability: The ability to adapt to changes and meet new needs.
- Dependability: Trustworthy and reliable performance.
- Efficiency: Minimal resource use.
- Usability: Ease of use for intended users.
Challenges in Software Engineering
- Legacy Systems: Maintaining and updating older software
- Heterogeneity: Managing complex systems using numerous different hardware and software components.
- Delivery: Meeting increasing demands for quicker software delivery.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the foundational aspects of software engineering, including its goals and key attributes such as dependability and usability. This quiz also touches on the fundamental activities within a software process and contemporary challenges in the field.