Software Engineering Processes and Agile

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Questions and Answers

Briefly describe the primary goal of the 'Requirements Process' in software engineering.

The primary goal is to fully specify the customer's requirements for the software, ensuring everyone understands what the software should do.

List three core components typically addressed within 'Software Processes'.

People, Processes, and Technology.

Explain how 'Timeboxing' is implemented and its main advantage in software development projects.

Timeboxing involves fixing the delivery date and budget while allowing the feature set to vary. Its main advantage is ensuring a regular delivery schedule and managing scope creep.

Describe a scenario where using 'Waterfall Model' would be most appropriate, and outline one significant limitation in using it.

The Waterfall Model is most suitable when the requirements are very well understood, clearly documented, and unlikely to change. A significant limitation is its inflexibility to changes once a phase is completed, making it unsuitable for projects with evolving requirements. Signup and view all the answers

Imagine a project where the initial requirements are vague, and the client requires frequent demonstrations of working functionality. Which software development process model(s) would be most suitable, and why? Conversely which would definitely NOT be suitable and why?

Iterative development or prototyping would be suitable as they allow for incremental development and frequent feedback. The Waterfall Model would not be suitable because it requires complete initial requirements and does not easily accommodate changes or frequent demonstrations. Signup and view all the answers

Name the four fundamental activities common to all software processes.

Software Specification (or Requirements Engineering), Software Design and Implementation, Software Validation, and Software Evolution. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the main difference between the Waterfall model and Iterative development.

The Waterfall model completes each stage fully before moving to the next, while Iterative development involves repeated cycles of development, testing, and evaluation, improving the software incrementally. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Timeboxing in software development?

Limiting the amount of time spent on a task or activity, ensuring that critical deadlines are met even if some features need to be cut. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of software project management, how do 'scale' and 'change' introduce challenges to software processes, and what adjustments might be necessary?

Scale introduces challenges by increasing complexity and communication overhead, requiring more structured processes and better coordination. Change introduces challenges by invalidating assumptions and plans, requiring flexible processes that can adapt to new requirements and technologies. Adjustments include adopting more agile methodologies, using modular architectures to accommodate change, and investing in better communication and collaboration tools. Signup and view all the answers

Imagine a scenario where a software development team is using Extreme Programming (XP), but encounters significant difficulty in maintaining pair programming due to team members being located across different time zones. Propose a modified approach consistent with agile principles that addresses this challenge while still emphasizing collaboration and code quality. Detail the specific practices and tools you would implement.

Given the challenge of time zone differences hindering pair programming, adopt a modified 'distributed pair programming' approach. Implement practices like asynchronous code reviews using tools like GitLab or GitHub, setting clear expectations for response times. Use screen sharing and remote collaboration tools (e.g., Visual Studio Live Share or Tuple) for overlapping hours, and ensure tasks are broken down into smaller, manageable units that can be easily handed off. Document all design decisions meticulously to facilitate smoother transitions between developers. Rotate team members through different time zones periodically to balance workload and maintain knowledge sharing. Standardize coding practices and use automated testing extensively to ensure code quality despite reduced real-time collaboration. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Software Process

A structured set of activities to develop and evolve software.

Waterfall Model

A sequential design process, where each stage must be completed before the next begins.