Steps of Software Engineering

A) SOFTWARE SYSTEM ANALYSIS

System analysis is the development step that comes after study. As per the study conducted over the existing system a more detail study is conducted and feasibility of the system is examined. The study is carried out with a view making the system more effective by modifications or by substantial redesign. The system is analyzed by gathering various information like:

• How the system functions currently?
• What are the problems encountered?
• What are the requirements for the proposed system?
• Who the users are?
• What are their tasks and responsibilities?

B) SOFTWARE SYSYTEM DESIGN

The term design describes a final system and the process by which it is developed system design ids the solution for how to approach for the creation of the system. It refers to the technical specification that will be applied in implementing the candidate system. It also includes the construction of programs and program testing. Emphasis is gives to translate the performance. The key question here is how the problem should be solved.

The system design is the most creative and challenging phase. The first step is to determine how the output is produced and in what format. Samples of the output and input are presented. Next the input data and master data are to be designed to meet the requirements of the proposed output. The operational phase is handled through program construction testing, including a list of programs needed to meet the system objective and complete documentation.

C) SOFTWARE CODING

The goal of coding or programming phase is to translate the design of the system produced during the design phase, in to code in a programming language which can be executed by the computer, and which performs the computation specified by the design.

During this step, the programmer eliminates all the syntax and format errors from the program and all logical errors are detected and resolved. Quality is an important goal during coding. The quality of source code can be improved by the use of structured coding techniques, good coding style and readable, consistent code format.

D) SOFTWARE TESTING

Testing is vital to the success of the system. It helps to identify and correct the errors of the system. In the system testing performance and acceptance standards are developed. Testing of the proposed system was done at all stages of project development. After each section of a module is completed, the completed system was undergone testing by giving sample data inputs. Thus each module is ensured error free.

Input data for testing was obtained from the organization itself. Each module was found to be free of errors. Testing was also done with data that are not accepted by the system. Performance monitoring of the system was also done with different ranges of inputs.

E) SOFTWARE Implementation

Implementation is the stage of the project where the theoretical design is turned into a working system. At this stage the main work load, the greatest upheaval and the major impact on the existing system shifts to the user department. If implementation is not planned carefully it can cause chaos and confusion.

F) SOFTWARE Maintenance

The maintenance phase of the software cycle is the time in which a Software product performs useful work.

After a system is successfully implemented, it should be maintained in a proper manner. System maintenance is an important aspect in the software development life cycle. The need for system maintenance is to make adaptable to the changes in the system environment.