Unit-1 Part 1
Answer:
Software engineering is the application of engineering principles to the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software systems. It involves creating high-quality software that meets user needs, is efficient, and can be maintained over time.
Example:
Consider the development of a banking app. Software engineering ensures the app is secure, scalable, and user-friendly while also maintaining high performance even with millions of users. This is crucial in today’s tech-driven world, where businesses rely heavily on robust software systems.
2. Explain the term "Software Crisis" and how it influenced the development of software engineering as a discipline.
Answer:
The "Software Crisis" refers to the challenges that arose during the 1960s and 1970s due to the growing complexity of software systems and the inability of existing methods to handle them efficiently. Issues like poor software quality, over-budget projects, and missed deadlines prompted the need for structured development methods, leading to the emergence of software engineering.
Example:
NASA’s software for space missions in the 1960s and 70s experienced major failures due to poor planning and lack of structured processes, which led to delays and cost overruns. This was a key driver in the push for better engineering practices in software development.
3. List and briefly describe at least two types of software applications.
Answer:
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Web Applications: Software that runs on a web server and is accessed via a browser (e.g., Google Docs, Facebook).
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Mobile Applications: Software specifically designed for mobile devices (e.g., Instagram, Uber). These applications are designed to leverage the unique features of mobile devices like GPS, touchscreens, and cameras.
4. What are the key characteristics of software that distinguish it from other types of engineering products?
Answer:
Key characteristics of software include:
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Intangibility: Unlike physical products, software cannot be physically touched or seen.
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Flexibility: Software can be easily modified and updated.
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Complexity: Software systems can be highly complex with millions of lines of code and intricate interactions.
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Invisibility of errors: Bugs in software may not be apparent until runtime, which is different from physical engineering products that show defects early in the production cycle.
Example:
A software bug in a mobile app may cause unexpected crashes, and developers may need several iterations to fix it, whereas a defect in a physical car would likely be identified during the manufacturing process.
5. Define a "Software Process" and mention one commonly used software process model.
Answer:
A software process refers to the series of steps followed during software development, including planning, design, coding, testing, and maintenance.
Example:
One common software process model is the Agile model, where development is done in small, iterative cycles (called sprints). Each sprint results in a potentially shippable product increment, and the project adapts to changes in requirements based on feedback.
6. What is the primary difference between the Waterfall model and the Prototype model in software development?
Answer:
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Waterfall model: It is a linear and sequential approach, where each phase (e.g., requirements gathering, design, coding, testing) must be completed before moving to the next.
Example:
A construction project, where you finish the blueprint (design) before starting the building (coding). -
Prototype model: In this model, an initial prototype (working model) is developed early to gather user feedback, and then the system is refined iteratively based on that feedback.
Example:
The development of new features in a smartphone, where manufacturers may release early prototypes for user feedback before finalizing the design.
7. How does the Evolutionary model differ from the Spiral model in software engineering?
Answer:
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Evolutionary model: Focuses on developing software in small, iterative steps where new versions are built based on user feedback. It can be a quick way to release early versions of software that evolve over time.
Example:
The development of an online game like Minecraft, where new features are continuously added based on community feedback and testing. -
Spiral model: Combines elements of both the Waterfall and Evolutionary models, focusing on iterative development with an emphasis on risk management and repeated cycles of planning, risk assessment, and testing.
Example:
Large-scale enterprise software development, like an ERP system, where the project is split into phases that gradually improve and mitigate risks (e.g., identifying security vulnerabilities early).
8. What is the significance of a software life cycle model in project management and delivery?
Answer:
A software life cycle model helps manage the process of developing software by breaking it down into phases, providing structure and discipline to ensure the software is developed and delivered efficiently. It helps define the scope, timeline, and resources needed for each stage.
Example:
In a large-scale e-commerce platform like Amazon, using a software life cycle model ensures that the development process is broken into manageable phases (e.g., requirements gathering, design, coding, testing, deployment) to ensure smooth and timely delivery.
9. Describe the role of "testing" in the Waterfall model of software development.
Answer:
In the Waterfall model, testing occurs after the development phase, when the system has been fully designed and coded. It is a structured process where the software is rigorously tested for bugs and defects before it is deployed.
Example:
In building a custom accounting software for a business, testing might involve checking if all financial calculations are accurate, validating the user interface, and ensuring the system can handle a large number of transactions before final delivery.
10. Explain how risk management is incorporated in the Spiral model of software development.
Answer:
The Spiral model integrates risk management into each development cycle. In each iteration (or "spiral"), risks are identified, analyzed, and mitigated. Risk assessments are a key part of planning, and the project can be adapted to address new risks as they arise.
Example:
For developing a self-driving car system, the Spiral model helps to continuously assess risks like sensor failures, data security, and compliance with regulations. This ongoing assessment helps ensure that the final system is safe and reliable.
Unit-1 Part 2
1. What is requirement engineering, and why is it important in software development?
Answer:
Requirement engineering is the process of gathering, analyzing, documenting, and managing the needs and requirements of stakeholders for a software system. It ensures that the final software product meets user expectations and business goals.
Example:
When developing an online shopping website like Amazon, requirement engineering helps clarify what features (search, payment, user reviews) customers and business managers need before coding begins.
2. Explain the difference between functional and non-functional requirements with examples.
Answer:
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Functional requirements define what the system should do (e.g., "The system shall allow users to log in").
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Non-functional requirements specify how the system performs (e.g., "The system shall load the homepage within 2 seconds").
Example:
For a banking app, a functional requirement is “allow fund transfers,” while a non-functional requirement is “transactions must be encrypted for security.”
3. What are user requirements, and how do they differ from system requirements?
Answer:
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User requirements describe what users need from the system, usually in informal language.
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System requirements are detailed technical descriptions derived from user requirements for developers.
Example:
User requirement: “I want to track my package.”
System requirement: “The system shall query the shipment database and display tracking info within 5 seconds.”
4. What is the purpose of requirement elicitation, and name three common techniques used for this purpose.
Answer:
Requirement elicitation aims to gather accurate and complete requirements from stakeholders to build the right system.
Techniques: Interviews, questionnaires, and use case analysis.
Example:
For developing a hospital management system, interviewing doctors and nurses helps understand their workflows and needs.
5. How does the FAST (Facilitated Application Specification Technique) approach aid in requirement elicitation?
Answer:
FAST uses group workshops to bring stakeholders together to discuss and agree on requirements, promoting collaboration and reducing misunderstandings.
Example:
A team building a university’s course registration system might use FAST workshops with students, faculty, and admin staff to prioritize features.
6. What is Quality Function Deployment (QFD), and how is it used in requirements analysis?
Answer:
QFD translates customer needs into technical specifications through a structured matrix called the "House of Quality."
Example:
In designing a smartphone, QFD helps engineers prioritize features like battery life and camera quality based on customer importance.
7. Describe the "Use Case" approach to requirement elicitation and give an example of how it can be applied.
Answer:
Use cases describe interactions between users (actors) and the system to achieve specific goals, helping clarify requirements.
Example:
For an ATM system, a use case could be “Withdraw Cash,” detailing steps from card insertion to cash dispensing.
8. How are Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) used to represent system requirements in software development?
Answer:
DFDs visually represent the flow of data within a system, showing processes, data stores, and external entities to clarify system functionality.
Example:
In an online bookstore, a DFD might show how user orders flow from the website interface to inventory and payment processing systems.
9. What is a data dictionary, and how is it used in the context of requirements analysis?
Answer:
A data dictionary defines all data elements in a system, including their names, types, and descriptions, ensuring consistent understanding.
Example:
For a customer relationship management (CRM) system, a data dictionary would specify “CustomerID” as a unique numeric identifier for each client.
10. What role do Entity-Relationship (ER) diagrams play in software requirements analysis?
Answer:
ER diagrams model data entities, their attributes, and relationships, helping design databases that support system requirements.
Example:
In a university system, an ER diagram would show entities like Student, Course, and Enrollment, and how they relate.
11. Explain the key aspects of requirements documentation and why it is crucial for successful software projects.
Answer:
Requirements documentation records all gathered requirements clearly and unambiguously, serving as a reference for developers, testers, and stakeholders. It helps avoid misunderstandings and scope creep.
Example:
A clear SRS document for a ride-sharing app like Uber ensures developers build features like ride booking and driver tracking as expected.
12. What is the nature of a Software Requirements Specification (SRS) document, and what does it include?
Answer:
An SRS is a formal document that describes functional and non-functional requirements, constraints, assumptions, and interfaces of the system.
Example:
For an e-learning platform, the SRS includes user roles, course management features, performance requirements, and security constraints.
13. Discuss the characteristics of a good SRS (Software Requirements Specification).
Answer:
A good SRS is clear, complete, consistent, verifiable, and traceable, with no ambiguity or contradictions. It should be understandable by both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Example:
An SRS for a payroll system must precisely define salary calculations, tax rules, and payment schedules without confusion.
14. What are the key activities involved in requirements management, and how does it contribute to software development success?
Answer:
Key activities include tracking requirements changes, version control, impact analysis, and communication among stakeholders to maintain alignment.
Example:
In developing a social media app, managing requirements ensures that new feature requests like “story posting” are evaluated and integrated without breaking existing functions.
15. Explain the IEEE standard for Software Requirements Specification (IEEE Std 830-1998) and its importance in software engineering.
Answer:
IEEE Std 830-1998 provides guidelines for creating SRS documents, ensuring they are clear, structured, and complete. This standardization improves communication and quality.
Example:
A software firm building custom ERP solutions uses IEEE 830 guidelines to create consistent SRS documents that clients and developers can easily understand and validate.
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