week 1 - the software development
life cycle
Topic Introduction to software app and dvp
Date
Column
Notes
Introduction to Software Application and
Development :
1. Understand what is software and the reasons why
software applications are important
A) What is software?
computer system = hardware (physical components of computer system e.g chips,
graphic cards, circuits, motherboard, display, keyboard…) + software (intangible
components of a computer, set of programs, procedures + routines associated with
operation of computer system= INSTRUCTIONS tell computer what to do)
software= computer programs (set of instructions that directs a computer hardware
to perform a task) and associated documentation
computer hardware and software are interdependent, they can’t be used on their own
two different types of software :
system software (e.g operatoring system) : controls a computer INTERNAL
functionning
application software (e.g ) : handles SPECIFIC TASKS for users
week 1 - the software development life cycle 1
, - program = software applications
- if multiple programs that belong together = software systems
B) Why is it so important?
individuals + society rely on advanced software systems (e.g mobile phones controlled
by software/e commerce applications) ⇒ modern world can’t be run without software so
we need to produce RELIABLE and TRUSTWORTHY systems, economically and
quickly
software applications used across industries for manufacturing , distribution of goods
and to run the financial system
software systems are used to control critical infrastructure systems such as the air traffic
control or power transmissions
usually cheaper in the long run to use software engineering methods and techniques for
professional software systems rather than just write programs as a personal
programming project. failure to use the software engineering method leads to higher
costs for testing, quality assurance and long term maintenance
2. Understand different types of software applications -
diversity
⇒ the most important factor in determining which software engineering methods and
techniques to apply is the type of application being developed
week 1 - the software development life cycle 2