Introduction to Programming and Software Development

CMPCD1017Session 1: Introduction to Software Development

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Content

Software What is Software? Types of Software Why develop new Software?

Introduction to Software Development Process Models The Waterfall Model

Introduction to Computer Programming System Software Languages

Module Overview

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Software

Why is it so important? The economies of ALL developed nations are

dependent on software. 9/11 highlights this with the destruction of the stock

exchange computers More and more of our daily lives are being

supported/monitored by software The engines of our cars Our washing machines Getting on a bus/train

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What is Software?

Software is the part of a computer that makes it useful. In this module we are going to

focus upon application software development.

Software is not tangible. It is ‘conceptual’ so doesn’t wear

out like hardware.

Software is a set of instructions (Programs). These are acted upon (executed)

by the hardware. Software is also the documents

that describe the operation and use of the programs.

Hardware

Operating System

Application{The Computer

Software

• Windows 98/2000/XP• Linux/Unix

• Browser• Email• Word Processor

Sommerville: Chapter 1 & 2

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What does it do?

Generally software takes in data and processes it into information.

The many different types of software basically vary from where/whom data is acquired and where/whom information is sent/given.

Hardware

Operating System

Application

Data In ProcessingInformation

OutFrom the user/device/sub-system

To the user/device/sub-system

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Types of Software

Generic (Off-the-shelf) Applications Well known packages such as word processors,

accounting, image editing, … to name but a few. Anyone is able to buy them.

Bespoke (Customized) Products Systems that are built specifically for individual

people/organisations. They can also be generic software packages that are

customized. The high-cost nature of this type of software

means it is not economically available to all.

Hardware

Operating System

Application

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Types of Software

System Software This type of software exists at the Operating

System layer. It is the operating system itself, compilers, editors….any kind of software that supports the execution and/or development of applications.

Application Software Real-time Software

Programs that monitor/analyse/control real world events. A nuclear power plant cooling system is a good example.

Hardware

Operating System

Application

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Types of Software

Application Software Business Software

Business Information Systems such as payroll, accounts and order management/tracking. There are off-the-shelf packages available for small businesses, however large businesses usually develop their own software.

Engineering and Scientific Software Typically ‘number crunching’ programs for areas such as

astronomy, molecular biology, weather forecasting and Computer Aided Design (CAD) for engineers. Generic programs do exist for some of these areas, however research usually requires new software to be developed.

Hardware

Operating System

Application

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Types of Software

Application Software Embedded Software

Intelligent products such as cookers, washing machines and microwaves use embedded software that typically resides in a Read Only Memory (ROM). Due to the individual nature of such products this software is usually developed/tailored for each.

Personal Computer Software Spreadsheets, word processors, computer graphics,

multimedia and database applications are typical. This type of software is predominantly off the shelf but does go through many versions to remove bugs and increase functionality.

Hardware

Operating System

Application

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Types of Software

Application Software Artificial Intelligence (AI) Software

AI is used to solve complex problems such as scheduling the maintenance of manufacturing equipment to minimise their shutdown. Other uses include pattern recognition (speech/visual). This software is typically newly developed for each application.

The application of computers through software development is only limited by our imaginations……(and its’ cost)

Hardware

Operating System

Application

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Why develop new Software?

As hardware will always eventually wear out, it will need to replaced.

Software on the other hand, doesn’t wear out in this traditional sense, but will become increasingly less useful as users requirements for it changes over time. This means that software needs to be either periodically

updated or replaced.

Understanding the process of software development is therefore paramount in keeping software systems/applications continually useful to its users.

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Introduction to the Software Development Process There are many documented software development

processes; too many to mention here. However, all software development processes can be categorised into: Sequential Process Models

Were software is developed in a sequence of stages, typically: Analyse, Design, Code, Test.

Iterative Process Models Were a sequential process model is repeated until the

software is deemed correct. Typically used when the requirements for a piece of software are not fully known when development starts.

Sommerville: Chapter 3

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The Prototyping Model (Iterative)

This allows the requirements of the system to be explored by the customer.

Once the customer is satisfied with the software system, it can then be taken as the final system or thrown away to allow a fresh system to be developed from the requirements specification.

Listen to customer- Analyse their Requirements

Build/revisemock-up

Customer test-drivesmock-up

Start

FinishSpec

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The Waterfall Model (Sequential) While other process models will be

investigated in this module, we will be focussing upon the central stages of the Waterfall Model of Software Development.

AnalysisDesign

CodeTest

Requirements

Software

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Analysis (Waterfall Model)

The analysis phase of software development aims to develop a requirements specification that can be used to design the new software system.

While there is usually more to a requirements specification, we will be focussing on two of its main parts: Functional Requirements

First, an abstract definition of what the system must do. Then, a detailed set of functional requirements can be

bulleted. Non-functional Requirements

Usually ‘qualitative’ factors such as performance, efficiency and usability are described.

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Design (Waterfall Model)

System design is concerned with how the system functionality is to be provided by the different components of the system. It involves: Requirements Partitioning and Identification of

Sub-systems (if any) Assign requirements to sub-systems and specify

their functionality Define sub-system interfaces

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Design (Waterfall Model)

For each sub-system, a detailed design document is then created. It specifies the structural make-up of the sub-system and

were necessary how data is stored, manipulated and communicated as well as how information is presented.

Design is often an iterative process, especially in a system made up of several sub-systems As problems identified during the design of one sub-system

can cause the re-design of another. Design is typically specified using a mixture of

textual descriptions and structural diagrams.

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Coding (Waterfall Model)

Coding can be seen as simply interpreting the design documents into machine executable instructions. There are many different programming languages

Factors including the application’s domain will help in making a choice of which programming language to use: Platform (Hardware, Operating System, Network), Programming Paradigm (Object-Oriented/ Function-

based/Event-based) Experience of the ‘programmers’ available to do the coding.

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Testing (Waterfall Model)

Testing should start as soon as the requirements specification is available.

A test plan document should be drawn up in parallel with the initial design of the system The plan uses the requirements to provide an

overall testing strategy for the complete system in order to satisfy the following conditions: Verify – Have we built the system right? Validate – Have we built the right system?

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Testing (Waterfall Model)

As a more detailed design for each of the sub-systems is generated, specific testing strategies for each sub-system can be designed

When the code for a sub-system is complete, specific tests for each sub-system can be designed based upon the chosen strategy

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Introduction to Computer Programming(Coding) As mentioned previously, coding is

interpreting a design into a set of instructions for the computer to execute.

There are many languages that can be used to code a program: (Abstractly) High-Level Languages

Java, C, C++, Pascal Low –Level Languages

Assember, Machine Code

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Introduction to Computer Programming In this module we will be using Java, a high-

level language. Although it is an object-oriented language we

will not be teaching or examining on the object-oriented part of the language. Instead we will be using Java as if it were a

functional language, like C or Pascal. The course book supports this approach of using

Java to teach programming in this way.

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Introduction to Computer Programming Throughout the module we will be helping

you understand how programs are built and tested.

Their structural make-up is central to this: Sequence of instructions Iteration of instructions Selection of instructions Grouping of Instructions

In this case Functions

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Module Overview Semester 1

Software Development Process, Project Management, Requirements Analysis and Specification, Testing and Debugging, Problem Solving

Book: ‘Software Engineering’, 7th Edition, Ian Sommerville, Publishers:

Addison Wesley Semester 2

Problem Solving, Design, Coding (Programming) Book:

‘Introduction to Java Programming, Comprehensive’, 5th Edition, Y. Daniel Liang, Publishers: Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0131857215 This book will not be available until December, but will not be

needed until Semester 2

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Module Overview

This module is assessed using 100% coursework Coursework 1 (40% of the module mark)

Given out week starting 1st November 2004 To be handed in 17th January 2005 Several small essay type questions and the production

of a requirements specification and test plan. Coursework 2 (60% of the module mark)

Dates to be confirmed at the beginning of semester 2 Production of a software system, from requirements

specification through design, coding and testing.