Lesson One

Dr. James E. Tomayko

Lesson One Objectives

1. Be able to explain why, in most domains, software must be developed using sound engineering principles.

2. Be able to explain how hierarchies enable complex systems to be understood.

3. Know why incremental software development is more effective than strict adherence to the Waterfall or other linear models.

4. Be able to differentiate among structured, data-driven, and object-oriented design methods.

5. Know why models are useful in software development.

1. What aspects of the software you develop are "industrial strength" versus merely "tedious?"

2. If the systems you develop could be represented as continuous in nature, how would that simplify the problem of developing them? Give specific examples.

3. What is the attribute of a complex system that enables it to be comprehended?

4. Why are intracomponent linkages stronger than intercomponent linkages?

5. If we accept that "a complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked," what is the implication for the software development process?

6. Give examples from your work of "is a" objects and "part of" classes.

7. What are the key distinguishing characteristics among structured, data-driven, and object-oriented design methods?

8. How do you use models in your design work? How can you use models in your design work?