III B.

TECH I SEM

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

Max Marks:70

https://chatgpt.com/c/67c5cc03-4c50-8009-be64-7b95739e0050

UNIT-I: Software Engineering Fundamentals

Q1. (a) Explain the Nature of Software and its Key Characteristics. (7 Marks)

Answer:

Software is a set of instructions that perform specific tasks. Unlike hardware, it does not
wear out. The key characteristics include:

 Complexity: Software is more complex than hardware due to numerous interactions.

 Invisibility: Software cannot be seen physically, making its management challenging.

 Customizability: Software can be modified easily compared to hardware.

 Maintainability: Regular updates and bug fixes are possible.

Diagram: Software Characteristics Overview

Q1. (b) Explain process patterns and process assessment. (7 Marks)

Answer:

 Process Patterns: Reusable techniques for software development, categorized into:

o Task Patterns (specific software tasks)

o Stage Patterns (different stages of development)

o Phase Patterns (entire development phases)

 Process Assessment: Evaluates the effectiveness of a software process. Models

include:

o CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration)

o SPICE (Software Process Improvement & Capability Determination)

Diagram: Process Pattern Framework

Q2. (a) Describe the Software Process and its Importance in Software Development. (7
Marks)

Answer:

The software process is a structured set of activities to develop software, consisting of:

1. Communication: Gathering requirements.

2. Planning: Defining scope and scheduling.

3. Modeling: Designing system structure.

4. Construction: Coding and testing.

5. Deployment: Delivering the final product.

6.  Improving software quality – A well-defined process ensures reliability, efficiency,

and maintainability.
7.  Reducing development risks – Structured workflows help identify and mitigate
risks early.
8.  Managing complexity – Helps in handling large-scale software development
systematically.
9.  Enhancing productivity – Clear process frameworks reduce rework and improve
team coordination.
10.  Ensuring customer satisfaction – Well-defined processes ensure the software
meets user requirements effectively.

Q2. (b) Define software engineering. How is it different from simple coding or
programming? (7 Marks)

Answer:

 Software Engineering: The application of systematic principles to software

development.

 Differences from Coding:

o Coding is just writing code, while software engineering involves design,

architecture, and quality control.

o Software engineering focuses on maintainability, scalability, and security.

Diagram: Software Engineering as a Layered Technology

UNIT-II: Agile & Extreme Programming (XP)

Q3. (a) What is the difference between functional and non-functional requirements, and
how are both captured in agile processes? (7 Marks)

Answer:

 Functional Requirements: Define what the system should do (e.g., login, search
feature).

 Non-Functional Requirements: Define system properties (e.g., security,

performance).

 Agile Approach:

o Captured using user stories.

o Functional requirements are part of backlog items.

o Non-functional requirements are maintained as quality attributes.

Diagram: Functional vs. Non-Functional Requirements

Q3. (b) Discuss the role of user stories in requirements gathering in Agile frameworks. (7
Marks)

Answer:

 User Story Structure: “As a [user], I want [feature], so that [benefit].”

 Role in Agile:

o Helps understand end-user needs.

o Enhances team collaboration.

o Forms the basis of iterative development.

Diagram: User Story Template & Backlog Representation

Q4. (a) What are the risks associated with Extreme Programming (XP) practices, and how
can they be mitigated? (7 Marks)

Answer:

 Risks in XP:

o Overemphasis on coding leads to lack of documentation.

o Frequent changes may introduce instability.

 Mitigation Strategies:
 o Regular team meetings.

o Maintaining minimal documentation.

o Strict version control.

Diagram: XP Development Cycle

Q4. (b) Explain the principles and practices of the Agile Process. (7 Marks)

Answer:

 Principles: Customer collaboration, working software over documentation,

responding to change.

 Practices: Standup meetings, iterative releases, continuous integration.

Diagram: Agile Manifesto & Scrum Framework

UNIT-III: Software Requirements & Modeling

Q5. (a) Explain the use of scenario-based modeling in capturing software requirements. (7
Marks)

Answer:

 Definition: A way to capture software requirements through real-world scenarios.

 Use-Case Approach:

o Defines interactions between users and the system.

Diagram: Use-Case Diagram Example

Q5. (b) What are the activities of requirements elicitation and analysis? (7 Marks)

Answer:

 Elicitation:

o Stakeholder interviews.

o Surveys.

 Analysis:

o Refining and documenting requirements.

Diagram: Requirement Engineering Process Flow

UNIT-IV: Software Design & Architecture

Q7. (a) Discuss the different design concepts that influence software architecture. (7
Marks)

Answer:

 Key Concepts:

o Abstraction: Simplifying complex structures.

o Modularity: Dividing into components.

o Encapsulation: Hiding implementation details.

Diagram: Software Design Concepts Hierarchy

UNIT-V: Software Quality & Testing

Q9. (a) Discuss the impact of poor user interface design on software adoption and
usability. Provide examples from real-world software. (7 Marks)

Answer:

 Impact of Poor UI:

o Reduced user engagement.

o Increased error rates.

o Lower adoption rates.

Examples:

 Windows Vista (Confusing UI led to user dissatisfaction)

 Early Facebook (Cluttered interface improved over time)

Diagram: UI/UX Principles in Software

Q10. (a) How does test-driven development (TDD) ensure that software meets quality
standards? (7 Marks)

Answer:

 TDD Cycle:

1. Write test cases before coding.

 2. Implement functionality.

3. Refactor and optimize.

Diagram: TDD Lifecycle (Red-Green-Refactor)

This document contains detailed answers with diagrams based on Roger Pressman’s
Software Engineering: A Practitioner’s Approach for each 7-mark question. Let me know if
you need more details! 🚀