What is layered approach of Software Engineering ?
Software engineering deals with process, methods, and their implementation tools and finally the quality of the product.This is known as the layered approach of software engineering
- Quality Focus
Software engineering is a layered technology. Referring to Figure 1.1, any engineering approach must
rest on an organizational commitment to quality.
Total quality management, Six Sigma and similar principles help a continuous software process
improvement, and this ultimately leads to the development of increasingly more mature approaches to
software engineering.
The bedrock that supports software engineering is a quality focus.
2. Process Layer
The foundation for software engineering is the process layer.
Software engineering process is the glue that holds the technology layers together and enables balanced
and timely development of computer software.
Process defines a framework for a set of key process areas that must be established for effective
delivery of software engineering technology.
Process defines the context in which technical methods can be applied, work products are produced,
milestones are established, quality is ensured etc.
3. Method Layer
Software engineering methods provide the technical how-to’s for building software.
Methods encompass a broad array of tasks that include communication, requirements analysis, design,program construction, testing, and support.
4. Tools Layer
Software engineering tools provide automated or semi-automated support for the process and the
methods.
Tools are combines so that information created by one tool can be used by another, a system that is
developed for the support of software development, is called as computer-aided software engineering(CASE). CASE combines software, hardware, and a software engineering database.
