Page 24 - DCAP405_SOFTWARE_ENGINEERING

Unit 1: The Evolving Role of Software

Self Assessment Notes

Fill in the blanks:
15. Many software companies and developers, they are given a small window of time and a
small ………………………… to release a software package.

Caselet Software majors slump on NSE

Coimbatore, Nov 3: With the European crisis looming large, the four software majors —
Wipro, Infosys, TCS and HCL Tech — were trading in the negative territory on the NSE
this morning, just ahead of the opening of the European markets.
The fact that only 15 stocks had gained against 35 that were down indicated the overall
market mood with the Nifty down by about 44 points and Sensex by about 140 points.

In terms of value, Infosys was the biggest loser, probably because of its higher price, with
the scrip losing ` 45.60 to trade around ` 2,788. While TCS was down by ` 14.10 at
` 1,092.75, HCL Tech lost ` 4.30 to trade around ` 434 and Wipro was down by ` 5.60 to
trade around ` 368.
The other major losers were Hero Motocorp that lost ` 33.40 to trade around ` 2,055 and
Axis Bank which was down by ` 21.75 to trade around ` 1,104.
Though the gainers’ list was long, other than BHEL, which was up by ` 7.30 to trade around
` 323, GAIL that was up by ` 3.80 to quote ` 423 and Maruti that was up by ` 6.80 to trade
at ` 1,130.80, most of the others had gained by less than ` 1.

1.7 Summary

Software has become a key element in the evolution of computer-based systems.

Over the past five decades it has evolved from a specific problem solving and analysis tool
to a complete industry in itself. However, some initial stage practices have lead to certain
problems today.

Software comprises of programs, data and documents.
The purpose of software engineering is to provide a framework to develop high quality
software.

Software engineering is an engineering discipline, which is concerned with all aspects of
software production.

Software products consist of developed programs and associated documentation. Essential
product attributes are maintainability, dependability, efficiency and usability.
The software process consists of activities, which are involved, in developing software
products. Basic activities are software specification, development, validation and evolution.
Methods are organized ways of producing software.
They include suggestions for the process to be followed, the notations to be used, and
rules governing the system descriptions, which are produced and design guidelines.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 17