Software

Software is a collection of computer programs, that when executed provide desired features, functions and performance. Software is logical rather then a physical system element. Therefore, software has certain characteristics that are considerably different the those of hardware. a)SW is developed or engineered, it is not maufactured like hardware. b)SW does not wear out.

Software Domains
categories of software: 1. System Software: Are collection of programs written to service other programs. System software is characterized by heavy interaction with computer hardware; heavy usage by multiple users ; concurrent operation that require scheduling, resource sharing and multiple ext interfaces. 2. Application Software: these are stand alone programs that solves a specific business need. 3. Engineering and Scientific S/W: these applications range from astronomy to volcanology,from moleculer biology to automated manufacturing. 4. 5. Embeddeded S/W: reside with the product or system and is used to implement and control features and functions for the end users and for system itself. Artificial Intelligence S/W:Applications within this area include robotics, Pattren recognition, expert systems etc.

Software Engineering
Software engineering is the establishment and use of sound engineering principles in order to obtain economically software that is reliable and works efficiently on real machines. It can also be defined as the systematic approach to the development , operation and maintenance of software. The goal of software engg is to take software development closer to science and engineering and away from ad-hoc approaches for development whose outcomes are not predictable but which have been used heavily in past and are even used these days for software development. The main aim of S/W Engg is to systematically develop the software to satisfy the needs of clients.

Software Development paradigms

Paradigm is model or pattern, archetype for solving problems. Inherent in a paradigm are basic assumptions about a problem. Consequently a paradigm defines or structures how problems are approached. paradigm constrain the way we think about the problems and guide the way problems are solved.it describes the general approach to be used rather then a specific tools or methods. Examples Computational paradigms, function oriented, programming paradigms, state oriented, procedural paradigms, object oriented, logic. Why Paradigm: Understanding the paradigm involves identifying the important entities and strategies in problem solving. knowing which paradigm is being applied reveals assumption being made in modeling of problem.