Certificate - Software Development

Introduction to Software

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What is Software ?

Before we explain software development let’s try to understand the

term “Software” precisely.
▪ Software is:
▪ Instructions (computer programs) that when executed provide the
desired function and performance.
▪ Data structures that enable the programs to adequately manipulate
information.
▪ Documents that describe the operation and the use of the
programs.

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Classification of Software

▪ Classification 1 – Based on usage or function

▪ System Software
▪ Application Software

▪ Classification 2 – Based on how they are developed

▪ Generic Products (Off-the Shelf Products)

▪ Bespoke Products (Custom built Products)

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System Software

The system software are directly controlling the hardware

resources in computer and support the operation of
application software

Such software includes:

▪ Operating Systems (Windows 10, Linux)
▪ Program Translators (Interpreters, Compilers)
▪ Utility Software (Virus Scanner, Disk Defragmenter, Disk clean-up)

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Application Software

Application software serves the user requirements in a

particular application domain. They can be categorized as
follows:
▪ Business software
▪ Scientific and engineering software
▪ Real time software
▪ Embedded software
▪ Personnel computer software
▪ Artificial intelligence software

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Application Software

▪ Business Software : .e.g: Accounting, Payroll, Stock Control, MS Office 360

▪ Scientific & Engineering Software : .e.g: CAD (Computer Aided Designing)

CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing)

▪ Real time Software : e.g: Fire detection

▪ Embedded Software : e.g: Software in Motor vehicle

▪ Personnel Computer Software : e.g: Office Package, Excel

▪ Artificial Intelligence Software : e.g: Robotics

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Software Classification 2

This software classification is based on how the

software is sourced. How it is purchased and put
into use.

▪ Generic Software (Off-the Shelf Products)

▪ Bespoke Software (Custom built Products)

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Generic Software

Off-the Shelf Software / Ready-made Software

Information systems which are produced by a development

organization and sold on the open market to any customer
who is able to buy them.
▪ ex: Payroll Systems, Point Of Sales systems,
▪ Stock Control Systems, MS Office Package

• No Development Time
• Fast implementation

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Bespoke Software
Custom-built Software / Tailor-made Software

Systems which are requested by a particular customer.

The software is developed specifically for that customer
by in-house or external development team.
ex : A student management system specifically written for a college ( ESOFT )

• Implementation is slower due to Development time

• Too costly as the total cost born by one Customer

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Generic vs Bespoke Software

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Software Quality Attributes
Feature Description
Maintainability It should be possible to evolve(modify/upgrade) software to meet the
changing needs of the customers.
To support this, the S/W should be well documented, easy to follow, must
have comments to explain
Dependability Includes a range of characteristics such as reliability(must not crash),
safety(must not do something unsafe) security(Protection).
Dependable software should not cause physical or economic damage in the
event of system failure.

Efficiency S/W should not make wasteful use of resources such as Memory &
Processor time ex: the program must run fast & must use memory
efficiently

Usability S/W should have an appropriate user interface(GUI) & adequate

documentation.(User Guide)

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Lesson Summary

▪ What is Software
▪ Software Classification
▪ System software vs Application software
▪ Generic software vs Bespoke software
▪ Software Quality Attributes

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