Software Engineering Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is a primary characteristic of data collection systems?

  • They require no sensors to collect data.
  • They gather data from the environment using sensors. (correct)
  • They do not send data to other systems.
  • They are used solely for entertainment purposes.

How do software maintenance costs typically compare to development costs for long-life systems?

  • They do not contribute to overall software costs.
  • They tend to be equal to development costs.
  • They may be several times greater than development costs. (correct)
  • They are usually lower than development costs.

What defines a systems of systems?

  • Multiple independent software systems working together towards a goal. (correct)
  • Stand-alone systems with no interconnectivity.
  • A single software application that operates in isolation.
  • Software products that are exclusively generic.

Which statement best describes the role of software engineering?

<p>It applies a systematic and disciplined methodology to software development. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a generic software product?

<p>Software that can be sold to any customer without customization. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized by the IEEE definition of software engineering?

<p>A quantifiable and systematic application of engineering principles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are software costs significant in computer systems?

<p>Software costs generally dominate overall system costs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a modeling and simulation system?

<p>Social media platforms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of software in a computer system?

<p>To provide a set of instructions to execute user commands (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of software application does not require a network connection?

<p>Stand-alone applications (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of software system is primarily used to control hardware devices?

<p>Embedded control systems (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an interactive transaction-based application?

<p>Web applications (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a characteristic of batch processing systems?

<p>Typically used for real-time transactions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does application software play in the computer system?

<p>It serves as a product delivering computing potential (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of software application is designed primarily for personal entertainment?

<p>Entertainment systems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of interactive transaction-based applications?

<p>Accessed remotely from users' personal devices (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of software engineers according to the Code of Ethics?

<p>To ensure their software meets the highest professional standards (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a guideline mentioned in the Code of Ethics for software engineers?

<p>Developing software without any testing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should software engineers behave towards their colleagues?

<p>By being fair and supportive (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should software engineering managers promote according to the Code of Ethics?

<p>An ethical approach to software management (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about intellectual property (IPR) is correct?

<p>Software engineers must be aware of local laws surrounding IPR (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of software is commissioned by a specific customer to meet their own needs?

<p>Customized software products (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the most critical phases for detecting vulnerabilities in software development?

<p>Early phases of development (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common issue that can cause software projects to fail?

<p>Realistic project goals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the cost implication of fixing vulnerabilities after software release compared to earlier stages?

<p>It is higher and riskier after release. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements highlights the importance of software engineering?

<p>It helps manage large projects effectively. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of poorly defined specifications in software projects?

<p>Increased risk of project failure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which software product category generally includes applications like Skype and MS Teams?

<p>Collaboration software (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major benefit of maintaining testing systems at every level in software engineering?

<p>Improves software productivity and effectiveness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using software engineering techniques in the software development process?

<p>To reduce costs and save time (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities is NOT part of the basic software development process?

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

Why is maintainability considered an essential attribute of good quality software?

<p>It ensures the software can evolve with changing customer needs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does dependability or reliability in software refer to?

<p>The degree to which the software is dependable over time. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the software development process, what is the main goal of the validation phase?

<p>To check if the system meets customer requirements. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of software ensures it does not waste system resources?

<p>Efficiency (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the specification activity in software development?

<p>To gather and define system requirements. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor is crucial for software to be acceptable to its intended users?

<p>The software's responsiveness to user needs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle emphasizes the need for software to be understandable and usable?

<p>Acceptability/Usability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle relates to the prevention of unauthorized access and system damage?

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

Why is it recommended to reuse existing software when possible?

<p>To save time and resources (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements reflects a key aspect of cloud computing?

<p>Users pay based on usage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary ethical responsibility of software engineers towards client data?

<p>Respect confidentiality agreements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does ethical behavior in software engineering entail?

<p>Abiding by morally correct principles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes how systems should be developed?

<p>Using a managed and understood development process (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is not a characteristic of web-based systems compared to local systems?

<p>Higher system performance due to local processing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Software

A set of instructions or commands that tell a computer what to do. It's essentially a computer program that executes user commands.

Dual Roles of Software

Software acts as both a product, delivering computing power, and a vehicle for delivering other products. It controls computer resources and other programs.

Stand-alone Applications

Software that runs directly on your computer, like a word processor or games. It doesn't need a network connection.

Interactive Transaction-based Applications

Software that executes on a remote server and is accessed by users through their own computers. Examples include web apps and client-server applications.

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Embedded Control Systems

Software systems that control and manage hardware devices. Examples include applications for image processing, traffic control, and motion detection.

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Batch Processing Systems

Business systems designed to process data in large batches, often for tasks like payroll or billing.

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Entertainment Systems

Software primarily for personal use, intended for entertainment purposes. Think games, music players, or video editing software.

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Business Systems

Software systems built to manage data and processes in a company, often used by multiple users simultaneously.

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Modeling and Simulation Systems

Software that models real-world situations or processes, often using mathematical equations and algorithms to predict outcomes.

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Data Collection Systems

Software systems designed to gather data from their environment using sensors and transmit that data to other systems for processing.

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Systems of Systems

These systems are composed of multiple independent software systems that work together to achieve a common goal, each component contributing its own functionality to the overall system.

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Customized Software

Software tailored to a specific customer's unique needs, where they control the design and changes.

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Vulnerability Detection & Software Development

Vulnerabilities are most easily introduced during early stages of software development.

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Generic Software Products

Software designed for general use, sold to many customers, and operated on a variety of devices.

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Examples: PC Software

Examples include project management tools, graphics software, and communication applications like Skype.

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Why Software Projects Fail

Failed goals, unclear specifications, poor communication, and unaddressed risks are among the common reasons for software project failures.

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Software Engineering: Productivity

Using proper software engineering practices like testing at all stages leads to more productive software development.

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Software Engineering: Effectiveness

Developing software with proper methods and standards helps create software that works reliably and meets user needs.

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Software engineering

Software engineering aims to make the software development process efficient and predictable by using systematic methods, tools, and techniques. It helps in creating reliable, high-quality software that meets user needs.

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Software development process

The software development process involves a series of steps to create software, including defining requirements, designing, coding, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

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Software specification

A specification document clearly defines what the software should do and how it should function. It outlines features, functionalities, and user interactions.

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Software development

The development phase involves designing the software's architecture, creating code, and building the actual product. It's where the software takes shape.

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Software validation

Validation is the process of ensuring that the software meets the specified requirements and functions as intended. It involves rigorous testing and verification.

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Software evolution

Software evolution involves making changes to the software over time to adapt to new requirements, fix bugs, or improve performance. It's an ongoing process of improvement and adaptation.

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Software maintainability

Maintainability refers to the ease with which software can be modified or updated without introducing new errors. It involves good coding practices, clear documentation, and modular design.

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Software dependability/reliability

Dependability/Reliability refers to the software's ability to function correctly and consistently over time. It involves minimizing errors, preventing failures, and ensuring availability.

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Managed Software Development Process

Software should be designed and developed in a structured, managed, and understood process, tailored to the specific type of software.

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Software Requirements and Specification

It's crucial to understand and manage the requirements (what the software should do) and create a detailed software specification.

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Software Reuse

Reusing existing software whenever possible instead of writing new code can save time, resources, and improve quality.

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The Web as an Application Platform

The web has become a primary platform for running applications, encouraging the development of web-based systems over local ones.

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Web Services

Web services allow applications to access functionality over the internet, enabling communication and data sharing between different systems.

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Cloud Computing

Cloud computing offers remote access to computer resources, with users paying for services based on usage instead of buying software directly.

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Software Engineering Ethics

Software engineers have a responsibility to act ethically and responsibly, going beyond simply following the law.

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Responsibilities of Software Engineers

Software engineers should uphold confidentiality, avoid misrepresenting their skills, and prioritize integrity in their work.

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Public Interest

Software engineers have a responsibility to consider the impact of their work on society, ensuring it benefits people while minimizing potential harm.

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Client and Employer Interest

Software engineers must prioritize their clients' and employers' needs while still upholding the public interest.

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Product Quality

Software engineers must strive to create high-quality software that aligns with ethical standards, ensuring reliability and safety.

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Integrity and Independence

Software engineers should make decisions based on professional judgment, avoiding biases and ethical conflicts.

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Ethical Management

Software engineering managers must encourage ethical practices throughout the software development process.

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Study Notes

Software

  • In a computer system, software is a set of instructions or commands that tell a computer what to do.
  • Software is a computer program that provides instructions to execute user commands and tell the computer what to do.

Dual Roles of Software

  • Software is a product and the vehicle for delivering a product.
  • As a product, it delivers computing potential using computers (e.g., application software).
  • As a vehicle, it forms the basis for controlling computer resources, networks, and other programs (e.g., operating systems, virtual machines, software development tools).
  • Software delivers the most important product of our time—information.

8 Types of Software Applications

  • Stand-alone applications: Run on a local computer (e.g., PC) and do not need network connection.

  • Interactive transaction-based applications: Execute on a remote computer, accessed by users' computers (e.g., web apps, client-server applications).

  • Embedded control systems: Control and manage hardware devices (e.g., image processing, motion detection, traffic control). Often more numerous than other types.

  • Batch processing systems: Process data in large batches (e.g., bill processing, payroll).

  • Entertainment systems: Primarily for personal use and intended to entertain (e.g., home theater models, video game consoles).

  • Systems for modeling and simulation: Model physical processes or situations (e.g., weather and climate models, car crash models).

  • Data collection systems: Collect data from their environment using sensors and send it for processing.

  • Systems of systems: Composed of multiple independent software systems combining to achieve a shared goal (e.g., department of defense applications, power grids, sensor networks).

Software Cost

  • Software costs often dominate computer system costs.
  • Software maintenance costs are typically greater than development costs, especially for long-lived systems.
  • Software engineering focuses on cost-effective software development.

Software Engineering

  • It's the process of designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software.
  • It's a structured and systematic approach to creating high-quality, reliable, maintainable software.
  • A formal definition defines it as applying a systematic, disciplined, and quantifiable approach to software development, operation, and maintenance.

Software Products

  • Generic software products: Stand-alone systems sold to any customer. Specifications and changes are controlled by the developer (e.g., PC software, graphics programs, project management tools, CAD software, collaboration software).
  • Customized software products: Developed for a specific customer's needs. Specifications and changes are controlled by the customer (e.g., embedded control systems, air traffic control software, traffic monitoring systems).

Vulnerability Detection & Software Development

  • Most vulnerabilities are introduced early in the software development process.
  • Vulnerability detection decreases as development progresses.
  • Fixing vulnerabilities after release is significantly more costly and risky than fixing them earlier.

Why Software Projects Fail

  • Unrealistic project goals
  • Poorly defined requirements
  • Poor communication with stakeholders
  • Unmanaged risk
  • Poor system development practices
  • Poor project management
  • Stakeholder politics
  • Commercial pressures

Importance of Software Engineering

  • Increase Productivity: Better testing at every stage enhances productivity.
  • Enhance Effectiveness: Following clear development standards leads to effective software.
  • Handle Large Projects: Utilizing software engineering methodologies effectively handles large projects.
  • Reliable Software: Ensuring software is delivered on time and fixes defects.
  • Reduce Time: Employing efficient methodologies reduces overall project time.
  • Cost Management: Effective planning reduces unnecessary costs in software development projects.
  • Reduce Complexity: Breaking large problems into smaller, manageable parts allowing for easier solutions.

Basic Software Development Process Activities

  • Specification: Defining what the system should do (requirements).
  • Development: Structuring and implementing the system (design and building).
  • Validation: Checking if the system meets the customer's expectations.
  • Evolution: Modifying the system to address evolving customer needs.

Essential Attributes of Good Software Quality

  • Maintainability: Ability to adapt to changing requirements (flexibility).
  • Dependability/Reliability: Consistency and availability (no system downtime).
  • Efficiency: Utilizing a minimum of system resources for efficiency.
  • Acceptability/Usability: Understandable and practical for its target users.
  • Security: Protecting from malicious users and system failures.

Fundamental Principles of Software Engineering

  • Managed development process: Employing a structured and manageable approach to software development.
  • Understanding and managing requirements: Clearly defining and controlling what the software should do.
  • Software reuse: Leveraging existing software where applicable to avoid redundant development work.

Software Engineering and the Web

  • Web-based systems are increasingly common to handle applications.
  • Web services allow web-based interaction and access.
  • Cloud computing allows for remote access and use-based payment.

Software Engineering Ethics (SE Ethics)

  • Involves broader responsibilities than technical skills;

  • Demands honest and ethically responsible behavior;

  • Extends beyond legal compliance to moral correctness.

  • Confidentiality of client's information is a priority

  • Accuracy in representing competence is crucial

  • Awareness of intellectual property regulations (e.g. patents, copyrights) is vital

  • Technical skills should not be misused.

  • Software engineers should commit themselves to developing the profession.

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Software Engineering Introduction PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamental concepts of software engineering, including data collection systems, software costs, and application types. This quiz covers key characteristics and functions that define efficient software systems and their role in computer systems.

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