Topic_1_Introduction_to_Software_Engineering

Software Engineering

An engineering discipline concerned with all aspects of software production, from system specification to maintenance.

Waterfall Model

A sequential design process that is often used in software development where progress flows in one direction through phases.

Incremental Development

A software development process where the software is developed in small increments or parts.

Agile Development

A methodology that promotes continuous iteration of development and testing throughout the software development lifecycle.

Functional Requirements

Specifications that define what features or functions a system must have.

Non-functional Requirements

Specifications that define system attributes like performance, usability, scalability, etc.

Software Validation

The process of checking whether the software meets the specifications and fulfills its intended purpose.

Software Evolution

The process of developing software over time to adapt to changing requirements.

Maintainability

The ease with which software can be modified to correct faults, improve performance, or adapt to a changed environment.

Reliability

The ability of software to perform its required functions under stated conditions for a specified period.

Risk Management

The identification, assessment, and prioritization of risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, monitor, and control the probability of unfortunate events.

Iterative Development

An approach to software development where the system is developed through repeated cycles (iterations) and smaller portions of the software are produced.

Software Specification

The process of defining the requirements and constraints of a software project.

User Interface Design

The process of designing the way users interact with a software system, ensuring its usability and aesthetic.

ACM/IEEE Code of Ethics

A set of guidelines that outlines ethical principles for software engineers to ensure integrity and professional conduct.

Dependability

The attribute of software that reflects its reliability, availability, and security.

Testing

The process of evaluating a system or its components to determine whether it meets the specified requirements.

Debugging

The process of identifying, isolating, and fixing problems or bugs in the software.

Software Process Model

A structured representation of the software development process.

Prototype

An early sample or model of a product used to test a concept or process.

Software Maintenance

The process of updating and improving existing software to adapt it to new requirements or correct problems.

Batch Processing Systems

Systems that process large volumes of data at once, usually without manual intervention.

Interactive Transaction-based Applications

Applications that process transactions in real-time, often used in online shopping and banking systems.

Embedded Control Systems

Computer systems that are part of a larger device and are often used to control the device's operation.

Quality Metrics

Measurements used to assess the quality attributes of a software product, like maintainability and performance.

Software Ethics

The responsibility of software engineers to ensure their work is carried out honestly, ethically, and with respect to the public good.

What does Incremental Development entail?

A software development process where the software is developed in small increments or parts.

What is Agile Development?

A methodology that promotes continuous iteration of development and testing throughout the software development lifecycle.

What is software?

Computer programs and associated documentation. Products are developed for a market

What are the attributes of a good software?

Good software should deliver the required functionality and performance to the user and should be maintainable, dependable and usable

What are the fundamental software engineering activities?

Software specification, software development, software validation and software evolution

What is the difference between software engineering and computer science?

Computer science focuses on theory and fundamentals. Software engineering is concerned with the practicalities of developing and delivering useful software

What is the difference between software engineering and system engineering?

System engineering: computer-based systems which are hardware, software and process engineering.
Software engineering: part of the more general process

What are the key challenges facing software engineering?

Coping with increasing diversity, demands for reduced delivery times and developing trustworthy software

What are the costs of software engineering?

Roughly 60% of software costs are development costs. 40% for testing costs

Why do projects fail?

Not having a good understanding of the requirements & poor communication

Maintainability

The ease with which software can be modified to correct defects, improve performance, or adapt to a changed environment.

Dependability and security

Reliability, security and safety of software systems, ensuring they operate correctly and protect against threats.

Efficiency

Software not wasteful of system resources. Responsiveness, processing time, memory utilisation

Acceptability

Software must be understandable, usable and compatible with other systems

Components of Software Engineering

Processes: Framework for task
Tools: Tools to make development easier and more efficient.
Notations: UML Diagrams
Product: Software product or system built and put into operation