Importance of Software Process

Importance of Software Process

IMPORTANCE OF SOFTWARE PROCESS

SOFTWARE PROCESS provides a framework for building high-quality software. When you work to build a software product or system, it requires a road map that is called Software process. If the process is weak, the end product will undoubtedly suffer.

Why is it important?

Because it provides stability, control on various activities of the software process, if left uncontrolled.

Define Software Engineering

IEEE has developed a more comprehensive definition: Software Engineering: (1) The application of the systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software; that is the application of engineering to software. (2) The study of approaches as in (1).

In simple word, Software engineering is a discipline that integrates process, methods, and tools for the development of computer software.

Software engineering Layers and its importance: 

• Tools: This layer contains automated or semi-automated tools that offer support for the process and the methods. when tools are integrated, so that information created by one tool can be used by another, a system for the support of software development called computer-aided software engineering.
• Method: This layer contains the methods, the technical knowledge and “how-tos” in order to develop software.

To develop software, we need to go from one layer to another. All these layers are related to each other and each layer demands the fulfilment of the previous layer.

Generic Process Framework 

Generic Process Framework is applicable to the vast majority of software projects:

1. Communication
2. Planning
3. Modeling
4. Construction
5. Deployment

How do process models differ from one another

1. The overall flow activities and tasks
2. The degree to which work tasks are defined
3. The degree to which work products are identified and required.
4. The manner in which quality assurance activities are applied.
5. The manner in which project tracking and controlled activities are required.
6. The degree to which customers and other stakeholders are involved with projects.

Process Assessment

The main focus areas of process assessment are listed below, which is illustrated with the help of figure.

1. Improving software development and test process
2. Independent and unbiased review of the process
3. Improving the quality and productivity of processes

Software Product and Process

The product is the final result of a development cycle. The process is a sequence or set of steps that should be followed to create a product. Product development focus is on final outcome. The process focuses on each step to be followed during software product development.