Fundamentals of Software Development (4331604) - Winter 2023 Solution

Question 1(a) [3 marks]

Define Software and explain its characteristics.

Answer:

Software is a collection of programs, instructions, and documentation that performs tasks on a computer system.

Key Characteristics:

Mnemonic: "In Logic, Manufacturing Creates" (Intangible, Logical, Manufactured, Complex)

Question 1(b) [4 marks]

Write a note on Software engineering – A layered technology.

Answer:

Software engineering is structured as a layered technology with each layer supporting the next.

Layered Structure:

Mnemonic: "Tools Make Process Quality" (Tools, Methods, Process, Quality)

Question 1(c) [7 marks]

Explain Software Process framework and umbrella activities.

Answer:

Software Process Framework provides structure for software development with core activities and umbrella activities.

Framework Activities:

Umbrella Activities:

• Software project tracking: Monitor progress and control quality
• Risk management: Identify and mitigate potential problems
• Quality assurance: Ensure standards are met
• Configuration management: Control changes systematically
• Work product preparation: Create deliverable documents

Mnemonic: "Can People Model Construction Daily" + "Track Risk Quality Configuration Work"

Question 1(c OR) [7 marks]

Define SDLC and explain each phase.

Answer:

SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) is a systematic process for developing software applications.

SDLC Phases:

Mnemonic: "Please Analyze Design Implementation Testing Deployment Maintenance"

Question 2(a) [3 marks]

Describe advantage disadvantage of prototype model.

Answer:

Prototype Model Analysis:

Mnemonic: "Early Reduced Better" vs "Time Cost Scope"

Question 2(b) [4 marks]

Explain Prototyping Model and justify when to use with example.

Answer:

Prototyping Model creates working model of software early in development process.

When to Use:

Mnemonic: "Requirements Quick Build User Satisfied Final"

Question 2(c) [7 marks]

Sketch and discuss (I) Waterfall model & (II) Incremental Model.

Answer:

(I) Waterfall Model:

Linear sequential approach where each phase must complete before next begins.

(II) Incremental Model:

Development in small increments with each increment adding functionality.

Mnemonic: "Water Falls Once, Increments Build Multiple"

Question 2(a OR) [3 marks]

Describe advantage and disadvantage of Incremental Model.

Answer:

Incremental Model Analysis:

Mnemonic: "Early Easier Reduced" vs "Total System Management"

Question 2(b OR) [4 marks]

Write concept of Rapid Application Development (RAD) and explain it.

Answer:

RAD emphasizes rapid prototyping and quick feedback over planning and testing.

RAD Components:

Mnemonic: "Business Data Process Application Testing"

Question 2(c OR) [7 marks]

Design and describe Spiral Model and give advantage and disadvantage.

Answer:

Spiral Model combines iterative development with systematic risk analysis.

Spiral Quadrants:

Advantages vs Disadvantages:

Mnemonic: "Plan Risk Engineer Evaluate" + "High Good Customer" vs "Complex Expensive Risk"

Question 3(a) [3 marks]

Illustrate importance of SRS

Answer:

SRS (Software Requirements Specification) is crucial foundation document for software development.

Importance Table:

Mnemonic: "Communication Contract Testing"

Question 3(b) [4 marks]

Specify characteristics of good & bad SRS

Answer:

SRS Quality Characteristics:

Additional Good Characteristics:

• Modifiable: Easy to change and maintain
• Traceable: Links to source and design

Mnemonic: "Complete Consistent Unambiguous Verifiable" vs "Incomplete Inconsistent Ambiguous Unverifiable"

Question 3(c) [7 marks]

Classify Types of Requirements in SRS

Answer:

Software requirements are classified into two main categories.

(i) Functional Requirements:

Define what the system should do - specific behaviors and functions.

(ii) Non-functional Requirements:

Define how the system should perform - quality attributes and constraints.

Comparison Table:

Mnemonic: "Functional = What, Non-Functional = How"

Question 3(a OR) [3 marks]

Describe skill to manage software projects

Answer:

Project management requires diverse skill set for successful software delivery.

Essential Skills:

Mnemonic: "Technical Leadership Communication"

Question 3(b OR) [4 marks]

Briefly give the Responsibility of software project Manager.

Answer:

Software Project Manager oversees entire project lifecycle and ensures successful delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

Additional Duties:

• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate project risks
• Team Development: Mentor team members and resolve conflicts

Mnemonic: "Plan Execute Quality Communicate Risk Team"

Question 3(c OR) [7 marks]

Compare PERT chart – Gantt chart side by side.

Answer:

Both charts are project management tools but serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.

Detailed Comparison:

Visual Representation:

When to Use:

Advantages Comparison:

Mnemonic: "PERT = Path, Gantt = Bars"

Question 4(a) [3 marks]

Give steps of Project Monitoring and control process

Answer:

Project monitoring ensures project stays on track through systematic observation and corrective actions.

Monitoring Steps:

Mnemonic: "Track Assess Take"

Question 4(b) [4 marks]

Discuss i)Risk Assessment ii)Risk Mitigation

Answer:

(i) Risk Assessment:

Process of identifying and evaluating potential project risks.

(ii) Risk Mitigation:

Strategies to reduce risk impact and probability.

Mnemonic: "Avoid Reduce Transfer Accept"

Question 4(c) [7 marks]

Define project risk and how Manage Risk Management it.

Answer:

Project Risk is an uncertain event that, if occurs, has positive or negative effect on project objectives.

Risk Characteristics:

Risk Management Process:

Risk Management Steps:

Risk Categories:

Risk Response Strategies:

• Negative Risks (Threats): Avoid, Transfer, Mitigate, Accept
• Positive Risks (Opportunities): Exploit, Share, Enhance, Accept

Mnemonic: "Identify Assess Respond Monitor" + "Avoid Transfer Mitigate Accept"

Question 4(a OR) [3 marks]

Describe Software design process and explain Design methodologies.

Answer:

Software design transforms requirements into blueprint for implementation through systematic approach.

Design Process:

Mnemonic: "Analysis Architecture Detail"

Question 4(b OR) [4 marks]

Compare Cohesion and Coupling side by side.

Answer:

Both concepts measure module design quality but focus on different aspects.

Comprehensive Comparison:

Types Comparison:

Impact on Design:

Mnemonic: "Cohesion = Inside Strong, Coupling = Between Weak"

Question 4(c OR) [7 marks]

Sketch Data Flow Diagram with levels and explain.

Answer:

Data Flow Diagram (DFD) shows how data moves through system using graphical notation with multiple levels of detail.

DFD Symbols:

DFD Levels:

Level Descriptions:

Example - Student Information System:

Level 0 (Context Diagram):

[Student] → Student Info → [Student System] → Reports → [Admin]

Level 1 DFD:

Balancing Rules:

• Data Conservation: Input = Output at each level
• Process Numbering: Hierarchical numbering system
• External Entities: Same at all levels

Benefits of Leveled DFDs:

Mnemonic: "Context Major Sub Fine" + "Process Entity Store Flow"

Question 5(a) [3 marks]

Give Characteristics of good UI.

Answer:

Good User Interface design ensures effective user interaction with software system.

UI Characteristics:

Mnemonic: "Simple Consistent Responsive"

Question 5(b) [4 marks]

Briefly explain Unit testing

Answer:

Unit Testing verifies individual software components in isolation to ensure correct functionality.

Unit Testing Overview:

Testing Process:

Benefits:

• Early bug detection reduces fixing costs
• Code quality improvement through testing discipline
• Regression testing prevents future breaks

Mnemonic: "Scope Isolation Automation Early"

Question 5(c) [7 marks]

Draw activity diagrams of the train reservation system, explain each step.

Answer:

Activity Diagram shows workflow of train reservation system from user request to ticket confirmation.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Activity Types:

Parallel Activities:

• Payment processing and seat reservation can occur simultaneously
• Confirmation email and SMS can be sent in parallel

Exception Handling:

• Login Failure: Return to login screen
• No Seats: Allow different seat selection
• Payment Failure: Retry payment options
• System Error: Show error message and restart

Mnemonic: "Login Search Select Choose Enter Review Pay Generate Send"

Question 5(a OR) [3 marks]

Compare Verification, Validation side by side.

Answer:

Both are quality assurance activities but focus on different aspects of correctness.

Verification vs Validation:

Mnemonic: "Verification = Right Process, Validation = Right Product"

Question 5(b OR) [4 marks]

Define Testing describe any two testing type.

Answer:

Testing is process of evaluating software to detect errors and ensure it meets requirements.

Testing Definition: Systematic examination of software to find defects and verify functionality.

Two Testing Types:

(1) Black Box Testing:

(2) White Box Testing:

Comparison:

Mnemonic: "Black = External, White = Internal"

Question 5(c OR) [7 marks]

Describe each Coding standards and guidelines.

Answer:

Coding Standards are set of rules and conventions for writing consistent, maintainable, and readable code.

Purpose of Coding Standards:

Major Coding Standards Categories:

(1) Naming Conventions:

(2) Code Structure:

(3) Code Organization:

(4) Documentation Standards:

(5) Error Handling:

(6) Performance Guidelines:

Code Review Standards:

Review Checklist:

Benefits of Following Standards:

Implementation Strategy:

1. Establish Guidelines: Create team-specific coding standards document
2. Tool Integration: Use automated formatting and linting tools
3. Training: Conduct workshops on coding best practices
4. Enforcement: Include standards in code review process
5. Continuous Improvement: Regular updates based on team feedback

Popular Coding Standards:

Mnemonic: "Name Structure Organize Document Handle Perform Review"