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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a generic software product?

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

    Why are software costs significant in computer systems?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Which is NOT a characteristic of batch processing systems?

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

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

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

    What is a characteristic of interactive transaction-based applications?

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

    How should software engineers behave towards their colleagues?

    <p>By being fair and supportive</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</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</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</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</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</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.</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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

    <p>Reporting</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.</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.</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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Efficiency</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.</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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>Security</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it recommended to reuse existing software when possible?

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

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

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

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

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

    What does ethical behavior in software engineering entail?

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

    Which statement best describes how systems should be developed?

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

    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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