Introduction

Question 1

What is Software Development?

Answer 1

• problem solving: analysis (understand problem & break it into pieces), synthesis (put pieces together into larger structure s.28)
• dealing with complexity
• dealing with change

Question 2

What is a Model?

Answer 2

A model is an abstraction of a system, e.g. solar system/ future system to be built (subject of software engineering)

Question 3

Why is software development difficult?

Answer 3

• problem from real world can be difficult
• Requirements change
• difficult to manage

Question 4

What do software engineers use to solve problems?

Answer 4

• Techniques (formal procedures for producing results): e.g. quicksort algorithm
• Methodologies (collection of techniques applied and unified by philosophical approach): e.g.
object-oriented analysis and design
• Tools (instruments and automated systems to execute technique): e.g. compiler, debugger,
IDE (=integrated development environment), CASE (=computer aided software engineering)

Question 5

Define Software Engineering.

Answer 5

“Software engineering is a collection of techniques, methodologies and tools that help with the production of
➢ a high quality software system
➢ developed with a given budget 
➢ before a given deadline
➢ while change occurs”

Question 6

Describe the difference between phenomena and concepts.

Answer 6

A phenomenon is an object in the world, while a concept describes the common properties of phenomena.

Question 7

What do concepts exist of?

Answer 7

A concept is a 3-tuple:

• Name: The name distinguishes the concept from other concepts
• Purpose: Properties that determine if a phenomenon is a member of a concept
• Members: The set of phenomena which are part of the concept.

Question 8

Shortly describe what Model, View and notation are.

Answer 8

➢ Model: abstraction describing a system
➢ View shows selected aspects of a model
➢ Notation: set of graphical or textual rules for
depicting models: informal notations (“napkin design”), Formal notations (UML)