Software Development

Process
Lect 2
 Agenda
Definition
Characteristics of Software
Software types
 Computer Software

A Computer Software is a sequence of

instructions written to perform a specified
task with a computer.
A computer requires programs to function, typically
executing the program's instructions in a central
processor.
The program has an executable form that the
computer can use directly to execute the
instructions. The same program in its human-
readable source code form, from which executable
programs are derived enables a programmer to
study and develop its algorithms.
 Software Characteristics

Software is developed, it is not

manufactured in the classical sense.
Software doesnt wear out.
Although the industry is moving
toward component-based
construction, most software
continues to be custom built.
 Software

1. instructions (computer programs) that

when executed provide desired
features, function, and performance;
2. data structures that enable the
programs to adequately manipulate
information, and
3. descriptive information in both hard
copy and virtual forms that describes
the operation and use of the programs.
 Software Types
System Software
Application Software
Engineering/ Scientific software
Embedded Software
Product-line software
Web Applcations
Artificial Intlligence software
Ubiquitos Computing
Netsourcing
Open source
 SYSTEM SOFTWARE
Collection of programs written to service
other programs
Heavy interaction with computer
hardware
Contains complex data structures and
multiple external interfaces
Concurrent operation that requires
sheduling

EXAMPLE:
Compilers , editors
File management utilities
Other system applications
Drivers and networking software
 APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Consists of standalone programs
Used to solve specific business needs
Process technical data/technical
decisions
Control business functions in real time
Example:
conventional data processing applications
Realtime manufacturing process control
 Engineering /Scientific
software
Characterized by number crunching
(tremendous calculations)
Applications related astronomy to
volcanology from automotive stress
analysis to space shuttle orbital
dynamics and from molecular biology to
automated manufacturing
Ex.
Computer aided Design
System simulation
 Embedded Software
Embedded software resides within a
product or system and is used to
implement and control features and
functions for the end user and for the
system itself
Ex.
Keypad control for a microwave oven
 Product- line software
Designed to provide a specific capability for
use by many different customer.
Focus on a limited and esoteric marketplace
Ex.
Word Processing
Spreadsheets
Computer Graphics
Multimedia
Entertainment
Database management
Personal and business financial applications
 Web Applications
Webapps is a wide array of
applications in their simplest form.
Provide standalone features,
computing functions and content to
the end users
Also, integrated with corporate
databases and business applications.
 Artificial Intelligence
Software
AI makes use of nonnumerical
algorithms to solve complex
problems.
Ex. Robotics,
Expert systems
Pattern Recognition
 Ubiquitous Computing
Communicate across vast networks

Netsourcing
World wide web
Open source
A Growing trend for distribution
f code for system applications
Ex. Operating system
databases