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Practical 7
Software Development tools and techniques(CASE)

Introduction to CASE tools

CASE tools are a set of software applications designed to automate software
development projects. These are used by software project managers, engineers, and
analysts to develop software systems of high quality and free of defects. They consist
of in-built programs to help analyze and enhance the quality and performance of the
projects at every stage of the software development process. Design tools, analysis
tools, documentation tools, code generators, diagramming tools are some of its best
assets.

Components of CASE tools

CASE tools are made up of various components based on their use at different levels
of the software generation process. Commencing from the basic project plan to its
maintenance after completion via the design and testing procedures, CASE tools
flawlessly frame the overall software systems.

• Central repository: The central repository serves as the powerhouse of

information associated with the complete project management. It is the central
point for the storage of product specifications, associated reports, diagrams,
documents and other useful information regarding the overall management. It
is termed as the data hub of software projects.
• Upper case tools: Upper case tools form the backbone of software projects as
they are the building blocks of the systems concerned. They enhance the
planning, analysis and design at different stages of the software development
process.
• Lower case tools: Lower case tools are the successors of upper case tools for
furthering the overall procedure. They are associated with the implementation,
testing and maintenance of software development projects.
• Integrated software tools: They are used throughout the software
development process right from information gathering to testing and
documentation.
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Scope of CASE tools

CASE tools are used throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
beginning from its basic design to the release management and version controls.
The wide variety of tools such as requirement analysis tool, structure analysis tools,
software design tool, code generation tools, test case generation tool, document
production tool and reverse engineering tool assist in framing the overall software
development project.

Case tools types

Mentioned below are some of the most important types of case tools that are being
used under the field of software engineering: –
1. Diagramming tools: These tools provide an outline of the software projects
by graphically representing the system components, data and control flow
among the software components and system structure. For example:
Flowchart Maker tool for creating flowcharts.
2. Process Modelling tools: These tools help in designing the process model of
software development projects which can be modified and moulded according
to the project requirements. For example, EPF Composer.
3. Documentation tools: The documentation tools associated with CASE are
valuable to both technical and end-users in generating documents related to
pre-processing, processing and post-processing of software development
projects. Training, installation and system manuals go with the technical users
while the functioning and systems usage manuals guide the endusers.
Doxygen, Adobe RobHelp are few examples.
4. Configuration management tools: These tools are associated with version
management, revision control and release management of the software
projects. Fossil, Git, Accurev are some of the configuration CASE tools.
5. Programming tools: As the name suggests, programming tools help program
the software product and provide comprehensive assistance through its
programming environment like IDE(Integrated Development Environment),
in-built module library and simulation tools. Eclipse and Cscope are examples
of CASE programming tools.
6. Analysis tools: Analysis tools strive towards debugging the inconsistency and
errors involved in the diagram and data flow by keeping in check the
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irregularities and data redundancies. Accompa, Accept 360 and Visible analyst
are few examples.
7. Project Management tools: These tools assist in project planning, project
scheduling and resource planning. They help in storing and sharing project
data in real-time. Basecamp, Trac Project, Creative Pro office go in this
category of tools.

Advantages of CASE approach

Software Engineering, being a sensitive field considering the huge blunders resulting
from tiny errors in logics, earn massive assistance from CASE tools in the
development and maintenance of software systems. Following are the advantages of
CASE tools:

• The 3 Cs: If used under the proper set of conditions, CASE tools ensure
consistency, completeness and conformance to software projects.
• Speed and time: The use of various CASE tools reduce the time needed,
enhance the speed and productivity of software development projects.
• Real-world approach: The flow and consistency acquired through CASE
tools boost the chances to meet real-world user requirements and produce
systems with a longer effective operational life.
• Reduced maintenance costs: Special emphasis on redesign and testing
ensures lower servicing and maintenance costs.

Disadvantages of CASE approach

Besides the plethora of perks associated with CASE tools, they come along with a
few disadvantages as listed below: –

• Requires training: To utilise such advanced features associated with CASE

tools, practitioners need ample time and training. On failing which the project
may prove to be risky and the required quality content may not be ensured.
• Costly: CASE tools come along with high associated costs and firms engaged
in small-scale software development projects usually avoid their usage.
• Tool mix: The compatibility issues may arise while grouping various CASE
tools and sharing information back and forth may prove to be challenging.
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Also, larger projects require more coordination and management as far as

CASE tools are concerned.
• Standardization: Divergent technologies and methods may require
significant efforts to tailor and adopt methodologies and tools to their specific
requirements. Moreover, new technologies pose new problems and challenges
arising from the need for proper guidance.