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Chapter 1Chapter 1Software and Software Software and Software

EngineeringEngineering

copyright © 1996, 2001, 2005

R.S. Pressman & Associates, Inc.

Software Engineering:A Practitioner's Approach, 6/e

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Software’s Dual RoleSoftware’s Dual Role

Software is a productSoftware is a product Delivers computing potentialDelivers computing potential Produces, manages, acquires, modifies, displays, or Produces, manages, acquires, modifies, displays, or

transmits informationtransmits information Software is a vehicle for delivering a productSoftware is a vehicle for delivering a product

Supports or directly provides system functionalitySupports or directly provides system functionality Controls other programs (e.g., an operating system)Controls other programs (e.g., an operating system) Effects communications (e.g., networking software)Effects communications (e.g., networking software) Helps build other software (e.g., software tools)Helps build other software (e.g., software tools)

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What is What is Software?Software?

Software is a set of items or objects that form a “configuration” that includes • programs • documents • data ...

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What is What is Software?Software?

software is engineeredsoftware is engineered software doesn’t wear outsoftware doesn’t wear out software is complexsoftware is complex

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Software Software ApplicationsApplications system softwaresystem software

application softwareapplication software engineering/scientific engineering/scientific

software software embedded software embedded software product-line softwareproduct-line software WebApps (Web applications)WebApps (Web applications) AI softwareAI software

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Software—New CategoriesSoftware—New Categories Ubiquitous computingUbiquitous computing—wireless networks—wireless networks Net sourcingNet sourcing—the Web as a computing engine—the Web as a computing engine Open sourceOpen source—”free” source code open to the —”free” source code open to the

computing community (a blessing, but also a computing community (a blessing, but also a potential curse!)potential curse!)

Also … (see Chapter 32)Also … (see Chapter 32) Data miningData mining Grid computingGrid computing Cognitive machinesCognitive machines Software for nanotechnologiesSoftware for nanotechnologies