Make Entry -- Become an Editor -- Most Popular: (10, 25, 50, 75, 100)

   Help

Software Engineering

Software engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the specification, necessities, creation, implementation, testing and upkeep of software systems, especially ones that are large in nature. A primary objective of the software engineer is to create end products that solve their customers’ problems by effectively fulfilling their functions, while being safe, reliable and cost efficient at the same time. In order to achieve this, software is developed using a theoretical framework that employs concepts from mathematics and computer science at its core.

One can describe software engineering by way of analysis, such as taking a problem apart to examine its individual components (also referred to as front end software engineering). A second option would be to describe it in terms of synthesis, such as using existing or new elements for the purpose of developing a solution (also referred to as back end software engineering).

Two models used for the development of software are the spiral method, which promotes cyclical repetition of tasks until all details and corrections are completed, and the waterfall method, which recommends following a set order of tasks. For either model, the following aspects must be included: requirements analysis, software design, coding, testing and maintenance.

Web Resources On Software Engineering

Wikipedia: Software Engineering
Seven Principles Of Software Development

Book Resources On Software Engineering

Software Engineering by Ian Sommerville
A Discipline for Software Engineering by Watts S. Humphrey

Site Maps: Most Recent | Clusters | Browse
New: Graduate Student Job Opportunity