SOFTWARE ENGINEERING.....

What is software?

· Software is a set of items or objects that form a “configuration” that

includes

• Programs

• Documents

• Data...

· They are computer programs and associated documentation.

· Software products may be developed for a particular customer or may be developed for a general market.

· Software products may be

– Generic - developed to be sold to a range of different customers

– Bespoke (custom) - developed for a single customer according to their specification.

Software’s Dual Role

· Software is a product

-Produces, manages, acquires, modifies, displays, or transmits information.

· Software is a vehicle for delivering a product

-Supports or directly provides system functionality.

-Controls other programs (e.g., an operating system).

- Effects communications (e.g., networking software).

-Helps build other software (e.g., software tools).

Software vs. Hardware

· software is engineered not manufactured

· software doesn’t wear out

· software is complex

· Software is custom build

Wear vs. Deterioration

Software Applications

· System software (compilers, file management, etc).

· Application software.

· Engineering/scientific software .

· Embedded software .

· Product-line software.

· Web-Apps.

· AI.

Legacy Software

Why must it change?

· software must be adapted to meet the needs of new computing environments or technology.

· software must be enhanced to implement new business requirements.

· software must be extended to make it interoperable with other more modern systems or databases.

· software must be re-architected to make it viable within a network environment.