Foundations of Software Engineering
The module delves into the foundational principles of software engineering, distinguishing software from hardware and programming through various intrinsic characteristics. It addresses the historical context of the software crisis, illustrates the importance of a structured software development process, and discusses the economic impact and societal implications of software. The ethical responsibilities of software engineers and crucial quality attributes are also highlighted, establishing a comprehensive framework for future learning in the field.
Sections
Navigate through the learning materials and practice exercises.
What we have learnt
- Software is defined not only as executable programs but also encompasses documentation and configuration data that aid in its functionality.
- The distinctions between software and hardware include factors like intangibility, high customization, and complexity, leading to unique challenges in software development.
- A systematic software process is essential for managing complexity, ensuring quality, and providing predictability in software projects.
Key Concepts
- -- Software Engineering
- A systematic, disciplined, and quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software.
- -- Software Crisis
- A historical context highlighting severe software development issues such as budget overruns, schedule delays, and low quality, which necessitated the establishment of software engineering as a discipline.
- -- Software Quality Attributes
- Characteristics that determine how well a software product meets user needs, including reliability, usability, performance efficiency, and maintainability.
- -- Intangibility
- The characteristic of software that makes it difficult to visualize and quantify, impacting metrics for progress and quality assessment.
- -- Modularity
- The principle of breaking down a software system into smaller, independently deployable modules to reduce complexity and enhance maintainability.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.