PROBLEMS, METHODS AND SPECIALIZATION

Software engineering is not a discipline; it is an aspiration, as yet unachieved. Many approaches have been proposed, including reusable com ponents, formal methods, structured methods and architectural studies. These approaches chiefly emphasise the engineering product; the solut ion rather than the problem it solves. An approach to understanding an d classifying software development problems in terms of problem frames is suggested. In addition to such general approaches, specialisation is essential; the established branches of engineering are all speciali sations. Some specialisations have arisen in software development, not ably in compiler construction and software for personal computers; mor e are needed.