Software Engineering Overview

These flashcards cover the key concepts, definitions, and types of software engineering as discussed in the lecture.

Software Engineering

An area of Computer Science concerned with systematic methods and tools for developing, operating, and maintaining software.

Types of Software

Broad categories of software applications, including system software, application software, embedded software, and AI software.

System Software

Programs designed to run a computer's hardware and application programs, e.g., operating systems like Windows.

Application Software

Programs that help users perform specific tasks, such as Microsoft Office applications.

Embedded Software

Programs developed into a device's hardware to control functions, e.g., software in electronics of cars.

Product-line Software

A collection of software systems sharing a common set of features, composed of reusable components.

Web Applications

Software-as-a-service delivered through a web browser, such as social media and streaming platforms.

Artificial Intelligence Software

Programs that utilize machine learning to perform tasks, e.g., ChatGPT and Amazon Alexa.

Software Engineering Layers

Frameworks applied for systematic development, emphasizing quality and engineering principles.

Tasks in Software Engineering

Specific actions that contribute to a larger objective, such as conducting tests or designing architecture.

Process in Software Engineering

A collection of activities, actions, and tasks performed to create work products.

Communication

The process of collaborating with stakeholders to identify their objectives and needs.

Planning

Describes technical tasks, risks, resources, and schedules for software projects.

Modeling

The process of creating a model of the software’s requirements and design.

Construction

The phase that includes coding and testing of the software to find errors.

Deployment

Delivering the software to the customer for evaluation and use.

Umbrella Activities

Ongoing procedures throughout a project that manage progress, quality, and changes.

Process Adaptation

The flexibility needed in software processes to suit the unique characteristics of each project.

Prescriptive Process Models

Structured approaches to software engineering that enforce specific steps and guidelines.

Waterfall Process Model

A linear model of software development without feedback loops, involving stakeholder communication only at the start and end.

V-Model Process Model

An extension of the waterfall model emphasizing testing at each stage of development.

Prototyping Process Model

An iterative model where prototypes are regularly built and revised based on customer feedback.

Spiral Process Model

Combines features of the waterfall and prototyping models with integrated risk management.

Unified Process Model

A phased approach to software engineering that overlaps activities like inception, elaboration, and construction.