Software R&D: from an art to a science

Changes in software development are discussed, and major trends resulting in development techniques becoming increasingly structured and disciplined and focusing more attention on building a mathematical basis of software engineering are identified. Modification of the classic waterfall model of software development (stopping at certain stages to build prototypes or changing the way the cycle progresses to better accommodate the necessary maintenance) is examined. The use of computer-aided software engineering (CASE) is discussed. An approach called 001, which guides the user in defining what a system should do and combines the requirements and specifications phases into one step, is described. The 001 approach eliminates errors that crop up when different parts of a system (often defined in different ways) are brought together in the design and implementation phases.<>