Definitions of Software Engineering
Over the years, numerous definitions of the discipline of Software Engineering have been presented. For the purpose of this document, we highlight the following definitions:
“The establishment and use of sound engineering principles (methods) in order to obtain economically software that is reliable and works on real machines” [Bauer 1972].
“Software engineering is that form of engineering that applies the principles of computer science and mathematics to achieving cost-effective solutions to software problems.” [CMU/SEI-90-TR-003]
“The application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software” [IEEE 1990].
There are aspects of each of these definitions that contribute to the perspective of software engineering used in the construction of this volume. One particularly important aspect is that software engineering builds on computer science and mathematics. But, in the engineering tradition, it goes beyond this technical basis to draw upon a broader range of disciplines.