The Evolving Role of Software

Introduction to Software Engineering

• Software is a product that transforms, manages, acquires, modifies, displays, or transmits information and delivers the computing potential of hardware and networks.
• Software serves as a vehicle for controlling other programs, effecting communications, and aiding in building other software.
• Software is defined as instructions executed to provide desired features, functions, and performance, data structures for adequate manipulation, and documents for operation and use of the program.
• Software products can be developed for a specific customer or for a general market, with generic products sold to a range of customers and bespoke (custom) products developed for a single customer's specifications.
• Hardware is manufactured, wears out, and is built using components, while software is developed or engineered, custom-built, and relatively complex.
• The chapter covers the evolving role of software, software characteristics, changing nature of software, evolution of software, and software myths.
• Software engineering is covered in the book "Software Engineering" by Roger Pressman.
• The evolving role of software is highlighted, emphasizing its function as a product and a vehicle for delivering other products.
• The book discusses the evolving nature of software, its characteristics, and common myths surrounding it.
• It distinguishes hardware and software, outlining their differences in manufacturing, lifespan, and complexity.
• The definition of software as instructions, data structures, and documents is explained in the context of its development for specific or general markets.
• The book provides an overview of the evolving role of software and its importance in delivering computing potential and controlling, communicating, and building other programs.