What is software engineering

What is software engineering?
Software engineering is an engineeling discipline that is concerned with all aspects
of software production from the eady stages of system specification to maintaining
the system after it has gone into use. In this definition, there are two key phrases:
1. Engineering discipline Engineers make things work. They apply theories, methods
and tools where these are appropriate,. but they use them selectively and always
try to discover solutions to problems even when there are no applicable theories
and methods. Engineers also recognise that they must work to organisational and
financial constraints, so they look for solutions within these constraints.
2. All aspects of software production Software engineering is not just concerned
with the technical processes of software development but also with activities
such as software project management and with the development of tools, methods
and theories to support software production.
In general, software engineers adopt a systematic and organised approach to their
work, as this is often the most effective way to produce high-quality software. However,
engineering is all about selecting the most appropriate method for a set of circumstances
,md a more creative, less fOlmal approach to development may be effective
in some circumstances. Less formal development is particularly appropriate for the
development of web-based systems. which requires a blend of software and graphical
design skills.