1.2.A Software Process Models - Introduction

1.2. Software Development Process Models

Objectives

• What we mean by a "process"
• Several models of the software development process

The Meaning of Process

• A process: a series of steps involving activities, constraints, and resources that produce an intended output of some kind
• A process involves a set of tools and techniques
• This gives us a way to organise and plan our work according to a set model

The Importance of Processes

• Impose consistency and structure on a set of activities
• Guide us to understand, control, examine, and improve the activities
• Enable us to capture our experiences and pass them along

Software Life Cycle

• When a process involves building software, the process may be referred to as software life cycle
  • Requirements analysis and definition
  • System (architecture) design
  • Program (detailed) design
  • Writing programs (coding/implementation)
  • Testing: unit, integration, system
  • System delivery (deployment)
  • Maintenance