Why does it take so long to get software finished? Why are development costs so high?
Why can't we
find all errors before we give the software to our customers? Why do we spend so much time and
effort maintaining existing programs? Why do we continue to have difficulty in measuring progress as
software is being developed and maintained?
Complexity: Software is intricate, and creating all its parts takes time.
Testing and Improvements: To ensure quality, extensive testing and fine-tuning are needed, increasing
costs.
Infinite Scenarios: It's tough to predict all the ways users will use software, so errors may emerge after
release.
Changing Needs: As user needs change, software must be updated, leading to ongoing maintenance.
Moving Target: Software development involves many variables, making it hard to measure progress
accurately.
Consider the seven software categories (System software, Application software, Engineering/scientific
software, Embedded software, Product-line software, Web/mobile applications, Artificial intelligence ).
Do you think that the same approach to software engineering can be applied for each? Explain your
answer?
No, the same approach to software engineering cannot be applied to all seven software categories in
the same way because they have different requirements and purposes.
1. System Software: This includes operating systems and drivers. It requires a deep understanding
of hardware and low-level programming to manage computer resources efficiently.
2. Application Software: These are programs like word processors and spreadsheets, typically built
for end-users. User-friendliness and functionality are crucial.
3. Engineering/Scientific Software: This involves specialized tools for tasks like simulations or data
analysis. It requires a strong focus on accuracy, performance, and domain-specific knowledge.
4. Embedded Software: Found in devices like smartphones or appliances. It must be efficient,
reliable, and often built with resource constraints.
5. Product-line Software: This includes software with multiple variations, like different versions of
a game or software for various car models. Managing these variants efficiently is the key
challenge.
6. Web/Mobile Applications: These need to be user-friendly, responsive, and connected to the
internet. Web apps often use technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while mobile apps
require development for specific platforms (iOS, Android).
7. Artificial Intelligence: AI software involves machine learning and data analysis. It requires
extensive data preparation, training models, and continuous improvement.
In summary, each software category has its unique characteristics and requirements, necessitating
different approaches to software engineering. Tailoring the approach to the specific category's needs is
essential for successful software development.
