INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE

What is a software?
It is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks.
A software should deliver the required functionality and performance to the users and in addition
be maintainable, dependable, usable and efficient.
Characteristics of Software
 Functionality:
It refers to the degree of performance of the software against its intended purpose.
Required functions are:

 Reliability:
A set of attribute that bear on capability of software to maintain its level of performance under
the given condition for a stated period of time.
Required functions are:

 Efficiency:
It refers to the ability of the software to use system resources in the most effective and efficient
manner. A software should not make wasteful use of systems resources. The software should
make effective use of storage space and executive command as per desired timing requirement.
Required functions are:

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 Usability:
It refers to the extent to which the software can be used with ease. The amount of effort or time
required to learn how to use the software. It must usable by the users for which it was designed.

 Required functions are:

 Maintainability:
It refers to the ease with which the modifications can be made in a software system to
extend its functionality, improve its performance, or correct errors. A software must evolve
to meet changing needs
Required functions are:

Portability:
A set of attribute that bear on the ability of software to be transferred from one environment to
another, without or minimum changes.
Required functions are:

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Dependability: A good software must be trustworthy

What is software engineering?

1. Software engineering is defined as a discipline whose aim is the production of quality
software, delivered on time and within the budget and that satisfies its requirements.
2. Software engineering is the use of engineering principles in the development of software. It
refers to the process of analyzing user needs, constructing and testing end user applications that
will satisfy the needs through software programming languages.
Aim of Software Engineering
The basic objective of software engineering is to develop methods and procedures for software
development that can scale up for large systems and that can be used consistently to produce
high-quality software at low cost and with a small cycle of time.