(sen 201) intro to software engineering

Question 1

What are software

Answer 1

Refers to a collection of data instruction and program used to operate the computer and perform certain task

Question 2

what are the characteristics of software?

Answer 2

Intangible functionality based evolution customizable

Question 3

Explain each characteristics

Answer 3

1) intangible-software can’t be physically touched, but exist as a set of coded instruction
2) functionality -based software designed to perform specific and it’s effectiveness is measured on how well its performs this task
3) evolution-software evolves that is it requires updates and maintenance as user needs changes and new technologies emerges
4) customizable -it can be tailored to meet specific requirements

Question 4

Types of software

Answer 4

1) Systems software
2) applications software
3) middle ware

Question 5

Explain the types of software

Answer 5

1) system software - This is the fundamental software that help run the computer hardware and computer system. Example include windows linux and macos
2) application software, perform specific task for the end users eg web browsers processors video games email clients
3)middle ware - this connects different applications, allowing them to work together, e.g. database management system (DBMS) web service

Question 6

Components of
Software

Answer 6

1)programs
2) documentation of any section of the program
3)procedures used to setup and operate software system (operating procedures)

Question 7

What does does documentation manual consist of

Answer 7

a) analysis specification -formal specification
Context diagram
Data flow diagram

b) design - flowchart
Entity-relationship diagram

c) implementation - source code listing
Cross reference listing

d) testing - test data
Test result

Question 8

Operating proceedures

Answer 8

Consists of instruction on how to setup and operate the software system and how to react to system failure

Question 9

What does operation procedure manual
Consist of

Answer 9

1) user manual-
system overview
beginners guide tutorial
Reference guide

2) operational manual- installation guide
System administration guide

Question 10

What is soft ware engineering

Answer 10

Is a systematic approach that applies the principles of engineering (ie design testing and quality control) to the development, operation, maintenance and retirement of a software

Question 11

Principles of software engineering

Answer 11

a) it is a rigorous and systematic approach
2) focuses on quality
3)Emphasis on documentation and testing

Question 12

Importance of software engineering

Answer 12

1) enhances quality and reliability
2) reduces development cost and time
3) enhances collaboration

Question 13

Objective of software engineering

Answer 13

1) meeting user requirement
2) managing complexity
3) adapting to change

Question 14

What is sdlc

Answer 14

Software development life cycle is a structured process involving the various phases that guides the development of a high quality software

Question 15

List and explain the phases of sdlc

Answer 15

1) requirement analysis - thi phase involves understanding the goal function and user needs. This phase produces a large document written in natural language that contains what the software would do and not how it will do it . The resultant document is called software requirement specification document
2)system design - this phase involves creating an architecture for the software system. The software requirement specification are transformed into a structure that can be implemented the result is the system architecture document
3) implementation- this phase involves transom forming the software designs into execrable code. The result is the software of the program
4) testing - the software is tested to ensure that it is working correctly and meets the requirements the end result is the test result
5) operation and maintenance- the software is made available for use and is updated to fix bugs add new features and improve performance

Question 16

What is a software development model

Answer 16

It is an abstraction that represents a life cycle

Question 17

List the common life cycle models

Answer 17

1) build and fix
2) water fall model
3) incremental process model

Question 18

Explain build and fix list its advantage and disadvantage and see its diagram

Answer 18

It is a simple development process that involves building the initial version (build) and modifying it (fix) based on feedback or issues discovered
Advantage - it is suitable for very small projects and prototype
Disadvantage- high risk of project failure with complex requirements and lack of documentation
Phase / diagram - build code , fix code

Question 19

Explain waterfall model list its advantage and disadvantage and see its diagram

Answer 19

It is a sequential model where each phase must be completed before moving on to the next
Advantage -
1) it is simple and easy to use
2) it it is ideal for projects with fixed requirements

Disadvantage- it is rigid and doesn’t accommodate changes well making less suitable for complex or evolving projects

Phases / diagram- requirements analysis and specification, design, implementation and unit testing, integration and system testing, operation and maintenance.

Question 20

Explain incremental process model list its advantage and disadvantage and see its diagram

Answer 20

This model divides the project into small functional pieces called increment, each increment builds on the previous one delivering parts of the soft ware in a sequence

Advantage - it allows for early delivery of parts of the software with user feedback to guide future increment

Disadvantages- requires careful planning and may become complex if to many increments are added

Phases/ diagram requirement analysis and specification, design, implementation and unit testing, integration and system testing, operation and maintenance

Question 21

Examples of incremental model

Answer 21

1)Iterative enhancement model
2) RAD rapid application enhancement model

Question 22

Explain evolutionary process model

Answer 22

This model emphasizes the iterative development model where software is continually refunded through cycles

Question 23

Example of evolutionary process model

Answer 23

1)spiral model
2) prototype model

Question 24

Explain iterative enhancement model list its advantage and disadvantage and see its diagram

Answer 24

Development is done is small repeating cycles called iterations

Advantages
1) it all was for continuous improvement

Disadvantages
2) it is resource intensive

Question 25

Explain rad model list its advantage and disadvantage and see its diagram

Answer 25

Rapid application development is a type of iterative development model that emphasizes quick prototyping and rapid feedback

Advantages
1) it is fast

Disadvantage
2)scalability issues

Question 26

Explain incremental process model list its advantage and disadvantage and see its diagram

Answer 26

Focuses on creating a prototype early in the development model

Advantage
1) early feedback

Disadvantage
2)2Prototype may mislead

Question 27

Explain spiral process model list its advantage and disadvantage and see its diagram

Answer 27

Combines element of iterating and waterfall model, involving repeated cycles of development .

Advantage
1)focuses on risk manager
2) is flexible

Disadvantage
1) complex
Resource heavy