Contracts, scenarios and prototypes

More about the book

At the beginning of the 21st century, computer systems and software are integral to our daily lives, embedded in devices like cell phones and cars. They serve various purposes, from leisure activities at home, such as internet browsing and gaming, to critical tasks in professional settings, including order processing and safety management in industries like aviation and steel manufacturing. Consequently, the quality of software—encompassing correctness, reliability, and efficiency—has become crucial not only for critical systems, like nuclear power plants, but also for everyday societal functions, spanning business and leisure activities. Software engineering applies scientific knowledge to produce high-quality software economically, focusing on developing methods, techniques, tools, and standards. Despite the vast array of available methods and tools, many software projects fail to meet schedules, exceed budgets, or fail to satisfy user needs, often resulting in significant quality issues. Factors contributing to these failures include poor project management, the use of inappropriate methods and tools, and insufficient skills among software engineers involved in the projects.