An Integrated Approach To Software Engineering

An Integrated Approach to Software Engineering

An introductory course in Software Engineering remains one of the hardest subjects to teach. Much of the difficulty stems from the fact that Software Engineering is a very wide field which includes a wide range of topics. Con sequently, what should be the focus of an introductory course remains a challenge with many possible viewpoints. This third edition of the book approaches the problem from the perspec tive of what skills a student should possess after the introductory course, particularly if it may be the only course on software engineering in the stu dent's program. The goal of this third edition is to impart to the student knowledge and skills that are needed to successfully execute a project of a few person-months by employing proper practices and techniques. In- dently, a vast majority of the projects executed in the industry today are of this scope—executed by a small team over a few months. Another objective of the book is to lay the foundation for the student for advanced studies in Software Engineering. Executing any software project requires skills in two key dimensions— engineering and project management. While engineering deals with issues of architecture, design, coding, testing, etc., project management deals with planning, monitoring, risk management, etc. Consequently, this book fo cuses on these two dimensions, and for key tasks in each, discusses concepts and techniques that can be applied effectively on projects.

An Integrated Approach to Software Engineering

A lot has changed in the fast-moving area of software engineering since the first edition of this book came out. However, two particularly dominant trends are clearly discernible: focus on software processes and object-orientation. A lot more attention is now given to software processes because process improvement is con sidered one of the basic mechanisms for improving quality and productivity. And the object-oriented approach is considered by many one of the best hopes for solving some of the problems faced by software developers. In this second edition, these two trends are clearly highlighted. Aseparate chapter has been included entited "Software Processes. " In addition to talking about the various development process models, the chapter discusses other processes in soft ware development and other issues related to processes. Object-orientation figures in many chapters. Object-oriented analysis is discussed in the chapter on require ments, while there is a complete chapter entitled "Object-Oriented Design. " Some aspects of object-oriented programming are discussed in the chapter on coding, while specific techniques for testing object-oriented programs are discussed in the chapter on testing. Overall, if one wants to develop software using the paradigm of object -orientation, aB aspects of development that require different handling are discussed. Most of the other chapters have also been enhanced in various ways. In particular, the chapters on requirements specification and testing have been considerably enhanced.

An Integrated Approach to Software Engineering