software engineering

A Dictionary of Computing | 2004 | 700+ words | Copyright

software engineering The entire range of activities used to design and develop software, with some connotation of “good practice”. Topics encompassed include user requirements elicitation, software requirements definition, architectural and detailed design (see program design), program specification, program development using some recognized approach such as structured programming, systematic testing techniques, program correctness proofs, software quality assurance, software project management, documentation, performance and timing analysis, and the development and use of software engineering environments. Further, software engineering is generally expected to address the practical problems of software development, including those encountered with large or complex systems. Thus, while there is some emphasis on formal methods, pragmatic techniques are employed where necessary. In its entirety, software engineering addresses all aspects of the development and support of reliable and efficient programs for the entire range of computer applications.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

JOHN DAINTITH. "software engineering." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN DAINTITH. "software engineering." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-softwareengineering.html

JOHN DAINTITH. "software engineering." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-softwareengineering.html

Learn more about citation styles