Software Product and Software Process

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Contents

1 The Nature of Software

Defining Software
Software Application Domains
Legacy Software
2 The Unique Nature of WebApps
3 Software Engineering
4 The Software Process
5 Software Engineering Practice
The Essence of Practice
General Principles
6 Software Myths
7 How It All Starts
8 Summary

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The Nature of Software: Defining Software

Definition:
Instructions (computer programs) that provide features, function, and
performance.
Data structures enabling programs to manipulate information.
Descriptive information on the operation and use of programs.
Key Characteristics:
Software is developed or engineered, not manufactured.
Software does not ”wear out.”

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Hardware Failure Curve

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Software Failure Curve

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Dual Role of Software

Software as a Product:
Delivers computing potential by transforming, managing, acquiring,
modifying, displaying, and transmitting information.
Examples: Applications on mobile phones, software running
mainframes.
Software as a Vehicle:
Enables delivery of products by controlling hardware (e.g., operating
systems), facilitating communication (e.g., networks), and
creating/managing other programs.
Examples: Software tools, environments, and networks.
Key Insight: Software transforms personal data, manages business
information, and acts as a gateway to global networks like the
Internet.

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Software Product Characteristics (Part 1)

Maintainability:
Ability to modify and adapt software to meet evolving user needs.
Easier debugging, enhancement, and adaptation to changing
environments.
Dependability and Security:
Reliability in performing required functions without failure.
Security against unauthorized access or data breaches.
Ensures safety in critical systems (e.g., medical devices).

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Software Product Characteristics (Part 2)

Efficiency:
Optimized use of system resources like memory, CPU, and bandwidth.
Ensures fast response times and low latency.
Acceptability:
User-friendly interfaces and intuitive operation.
Compatibility with existing systems and workflows.
Provides high user satisfaction.

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Software Application Domains (Part 1)

System Software:
Supports other software, including operating systems, drivers, and
utilities.
Characteristics: high interaction with hardware, multiple users, complex
data structures.
Application Software:
Stand-alone programs for specific business needs.
Examples: payroll systems, inventory management, real-time process
control.

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Software Application Domains (Part 2)

Engineering/Scientific Software:
Numerical algorithms, simulations, and CAD tools.
Examples: stress analysis, molecular biology simulations.
Embedded Software:
Embedded within hardware products.
Examples: automobile control systems, microwave ovens.

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Software Application Domains (Part 3)

Product-Line Software:
Built for specific industries or tasks.
Examples: word processors, spreadsheets.
Web Applications (WebApps):
Network-centric software that spans business to social media
applications.
Characteristics: interactive, aesthetic, and data-driven.

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Software Application Domains (Part 4)

Artificial Intelligence Software:

Uses nonnumerical algorithms to solve complex problems.
Examples: robotics, expert systems, neural networks.
Data Collection Systems:
Collects and processes data from the environment.
Examples: weather monitoring, IoT sensors.

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Legacy Software

Older programs critical for business functions but often of poor

quality.
Challenges:
Maintenance and evolution due to new technology or business needs.
Often lack proper documentation and extensibility.

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Need for Evolution of Legacy Software

What is Legacy Software?

Older systems developed in past decades, often supporting core
business functions.
Characterized by inextensible designs, convoluted code, and poor
documentation.
Why Evolve Legacy Systems?
Adaptation: Align with new computing environments and
technologies.
Enhancement: Meet evolving business requirements.

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Need for Evolution of Legacy Software (Cont.)

Why Evolve Legacy Systems? (Cont.)

Interoperability: Integrate with modern systems and databases.
Re-architecture: Transition to networked or cloud environments.
Challenges in Evolution:
High cost and risk of maintenance.
Managing poor quality and outdated documentation.
Ensuring reliability while making significant changes.
Modern Engineering Goals:
Devise methodologies that support continuous evolution.
Build systems that interoperate and adapt to new requirements.

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The Unique Nature of WebApps

Evolved from basic linked hypertext files to sophisticated systems.

Attributes:
Network-intensive.
Rapid development cycles.
Diverse user bases and platforms.

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Software Engineering

Software engineering applies sound engineering principles to obtain

software that is reliable and efficient.
Defined as:
Fritz Bauer’s Definition: Use of sound engineering principles to
obtain reliable and efficient software economically.
IEEE Definition: A systematic, disciplined, and quantifiable approach
to development, operation, and maintenance of software.

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Generic View of the Software Process

Definition: A software process is a framework for activities, actions,

and tasks required to build high-quality software.
Three major components:
1 Process: Defines ”what” is to be done.
2 Methods: Provide technical ”how-to’s” for building software.
3 Tools: Support the process and methods with automation and
management capabilities.
Goal: Deliver reliable, efficient, and maintainable software.

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Software Engineering Layers

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Process Model Overview

What is a Process Model?

A structured sequence of activities and tasks.
Guides software development to ensure efficiency and quality.
Common Process Models:
1 Waterfall Model
2 Incremental Model
3 Evolutionary Models (Prototyping, Spiral)
4 Agile Methods
Each model provides a unique balance of structure, flexibility, and
adaptability.

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Methods in the Software Process

Definition: Methods encompass the technical ”how-to’s” for building

software.
Key Methods:
Requirements Analysis
Design Modeling (e.g., UML diagrams)
Coding and Testing Techniques
Deployment Strategies
Ensure consistency, maintainability, and high-quality results in
software development.

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Tools in the Software Process

Definition: Tools automate or semi-automate tasks to support the

process and methods.
Examples:
Project Management Tools (e.g., JIRA, Trello)
Version Control Tools (e.g., Git, SVN)
Testing Tools (e.g., Selenium, JUnit)
Modeling Tools (e.g., Enterprise Architect, Visual Paradigm)
Benefits:
Increased productivity.
Better tracking and control.
Improved collaboration.

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Summary of the Software Process

Software processes integrate framework activities, methods, and tools

to guide development.
Process models offer structured approaches tailored to project needs.
Methods provide technical guidance for building software.
Tools enhance efficiency, collaboration, and quality control.

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Overview of Framework Activities

Framework activities are high-level phases common to all software

engineering processes.
They provide structure and ensure a systematic approach to software
development.
Each framework activity consists of tasks, outputs, milestones, and
quality checkpoints.

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Components of Framework Activities

Work Tasks:
Specific actions performed during the activity (e.g., creating design
documents, coding modules).
Work Products:
Deliverables or artifacts produced (e.g., requirements, test plans, code).
Milestones Deliverables:
Significant checkpoints (milestones) and tangible outputs
(deliverables).
Quality Assurance (QA) Checkpoints:
Ensure the work meets standards before proceeding.

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Five Generic Framework Activities
The following framework activities are applicable to most software
projects:
1 Communication:

Collaboration with stakeholders to gather requirements and set

objectives.
Output: Requirement specifications.
2 Planning:
Defining tasks, resources, timelines, and risks.
Output: Project schedule, resource allocation plan.
3 Modeling:
Representing the system through designs and models.
Output: Design documents, system diagrams.
4 Construction:
Developing and testing the software.
Output: Executable software, test results.
5 Deployment:
Delivering the product to users and ensuring proper operation.
Output: Operational software, user manuals.
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How Components and Activities Relate

Framework Activities (What): Components of Each Activity

Communication (How):
Planning Tasks (specific actions)
Modeling Work products (deliverables)
Construction Milestones & deliverables
Deployment QA checkpoints

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Key Takeaways

Framework activities are essential for structuring software

development.
The five generic activities provide a roadmap for the development
lifecycle.
Components within each activity ensure:
Clear objectives (tasks).
Tangible outputs (work products).
Progress tracking (milestones).
Quality assurance (QA checkpoints).
Together, these elements ensure systematic and successful software
engineering.

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The Software Process

A framework for activities, actions, and tasks to build high-quality

software.
Key framework activities:
Communication
Planning
Modeling
Construction
Deployment
Umbrella activities like risk management, quality assurance, and
configuration management span all framework activities.

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Generic Process Model

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Software Process Overview

A software process provides a structured framework for software

development.
It consists of:
Framework Activities: Core development tasks.
Umbrella Activities: Support tasks ensuring quality and control.
Ensures software is developed systematically and efficiently.

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Umbrella Activities

Project Tracking and Control: Monitoring progress and adjusting

plans.
Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks.
Software Quality Assurance: Ensuring high-quality deliverables.
Technical Reviews: Detecting and resolving errors early.
Configuration Management: Managing changes to software.
Measurement: Tracking project and product metrics.

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Iterative Nature of the Software Process

Framework activities are applied repeatedly in iterative cycles.

Each cycle produces a software increment.
Increments enhance functionality and allow early feedback from
stakeholders.

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Software Process Characteristics (Part 1)

Repeatability:
Process steps can be consistently followed to produce similar results.
Reduces variability in project outcomes.
Predictability:
Project outcomes (e.g., timelines, costs) can be accurately forecasted.
Enables better planning and resource allocation.

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Software Process Characteristics (Part 2)

Adaptability:
Can be tailored to different projects, teams, or technologies.
Supports a variety of development methodologies (e.g., Agile,
Waterfall).
Transparency:
Progress, quality, and performance are easy to monitor.
Facilitates effective communication among stakeholders.

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What are Software Process Patterns?

Definition:
A software process pattern provides a proven solution to recurring
problems or challenges in software development.
They are reusable and structured approaches to managing and
organizing the software process.

Purpose:
Improve efficiency, consistency, and quality in software projects.
Address common challenges across different stages of the software
development lifecycle.

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Types of Software Process Patterns

1. Phase Patterns:
Focus on a single phase of the software lifecycle.
Example: Requirements Elicitation Pattern.
2. Stage Patterns:
Address challenges across multiple phases.
Example: Spiral Development Pattern.
3. Task Patterns:
Guide specific tasks within a phase or stage.
Example: Code Inspection Pattern.

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Benefits of Software Process Patterns

Reusability: Solutions can be applied to similar projects or

challenges.
Consistency: Ensures uniformity in addressing recurring problems.
Efficiency: Saves time and effort by avoiding reinvention of solutions.
Quality Improvement: Encourages best practices for better software
quality.

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Examples of Software Process Patterns

Requirements Analysis Pattern:

Provides a structured approach to gathering and refining requirements.
Test-Driven Development (TDD) Pattern:
Focuses on writing tests before code to ensure reliability.
Daily Stand-Up Pattern:
Promotes regular communication in Agile teams.

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Software Engineering Practice

Essence of Practice:
Understand the problem.
Plan a solution.
Carry out the plan (coding).
Examine the results (testing and quality assurance).
General Principles:
Provide value to end users.
Keep it simple.
Maintain the vision.
Be open to the future.

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General Principles (Cont.)

Plan ahead for reuse.

Recognize that others will consume your work.
Strive for consistency.
Get feedback as soon as possible.

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Software Myths

Definition: Erroneous beliefs about software and its development process.

Categories of Myths:
Management Myths
Customer Myths
Practitioner Myths
Note: These myths can lead to unrealistic expectations and project
challenges.

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Management Myths

Myth 1: We have a book of standards; that’s all developers need.

Reality: Standards often go unused or are incomplete.
Myth 2: Adding more programmers will fix a late project.
Reality: Onboarding new people slows progress temporarily.
Myth 3: Outsourcing solves all management issues.
Reality: Mismanagement persists even when outsourced.

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Customer Myths

Myth 1: A general statement of objectives suffices.

Reality: Vague objectives lead to unclear requirements.
Myth 2: Software requirements change easily because of its
flexibility.
Reality: Changes increase costs, especially in later stages.

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Customer Myths

Myth 1: A general statement of objectives suffices.

Reality: Vague objectives lead to unclear requirements.
Myth 2: Software requirements change easily because of its
flexibility.
Reality: Changes increase costs, especially in later stages.

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How It All Starts

Every software project arises from a business need:

Correcting defects in existing systems.
Adapting legacy systems to new environments.
Extending functionality of existing applications.
Developing new products or services.
Projects often begin informally, leading to initial ideas that evolve into
formal requirements.

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Summary

Software is vital to modern systems and has evolved into a standalone

industry.
It is used across a wide range of applications, from legacy to
web-based systems.
Software engineering applies systematic processes, methods, and tools
for efficient and reliable development.
The field continues to evolve, addressing myths and adapting to new
challenges.

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