2B: CASE tools

Question 1

what does CASE stand for

Answer 1

computer aided software engineering tools

Question 2

function of CASE tools

Answer 2

assist and coordinate the activities in the process of software development

Question 3

what counts as a CASE tool

Answer 3

any software tool that is used to assist developers

Question 4

examples + function of CASE tools

Answer 4

• drawing programs: dataflow diagrams + flowcharts
• text processors: for documentation
• complex CASE tools for larger systems

Question 5

functions of CASE tools

Answer 5

• system modelling
• data dictionary creation
• production of documentation
• automatic test data generation
• software versioning
• production of source code

Question 6

are IDEs CASE tools?

Answer 6

lol no

Question 7

CASE tools: software versions

Answer 7

• helps keep track of version numbers
• SCM(software config management): management of changes through a central body for tracking, checking, documenting

Question 8

CASE tools: data dictionary

Answer 8

• allows up to date data dictionary
• good for large projects + complex data

Question 9

CASE tools: test data

Answer 9

• generates test data, lots of it
• file comparator can compare 2 files

Question 10

CASE tools: production of documentation

Answer 10

• produces documentation at the same time software is produced
• graphical e.g. adobe illustrator, create, Gsharp
• document-oriented based e.g. ALDA, docbuilder, lifeCDM

Question 11

examples of CASE tools

Answer 11

• Oracle Designer
• AxiomSys
• DataFactory

Question 12

meaning of installation/conversion

Answer 12

installation: introducing + implementing a new software product
conversion: when installation involves conversion from an old system to the new system it’s designed to replace

Question 13

methods of installation(conversion)

Answer 13

• direct cut-over
• parallel
• phased
• pilot

Question 14

direct cut-over method

Answer 14

old system deleted, new system installed

Question 15

direct cut-over characteristics

Answer 15

• old system no longer available
• must be sure new system completely functional
• used when it is impossible for two systems to operate together
• data must be converted + imported, users must be trained to use new system

Question 16

parallel method

Answer 16

involved operating both systems together for a period, so major problems can be corrected without loss of data

Question 17

parallel method characteristics

Answer 17

• allows users to learn system
• old system = operational backup
• after new system meets requirements old system is deleted
• double the workload; all functions on both old + new systems

Question 18

what is parallel useful for

Answer 18

when product is of a crucial nature, meaning there would be dire consequences if it were to fail
- old system continuation = protect crucial data

Question 19

parallel method: developer’s pov

Answer 19

parallel = old + new system operating same time, different sites
- each individual site uses direct cut-over method
- commonly used with large customer base
- devs must support previous versions of product until conversion = complete

Question 20

phased method meaning

Answer 20

involves gradual introduction of the new system whilst the old system is progressively discarded
- done through: introducing new parts of product, replacing old parts

Question 21

when is phased method used

Answer 21

when new product is still under development
- completed modules released when available
- makes conversion more manageable

Question 22

pilot method meaning

Answer 22

new system installed for small number of users, who learn + test + evaluate product; if good, system is installed
- can be seen as final testing of a product

Question 23

pilot method uses

Answer 23

• good for new products: testing in operational setting
• users who are testers can teach other users how to use program
• dev + customer both evaluate product in functional environment before full installation