what does CASE stand for
computer aided software engineering tools
function of CASE tools
assist and coordinate the activities in the process of software development
what counts as a CASE tool
any software tool that is used to assist developers
examples + function of CASE tools
- drawing programs: dataflow diagrams + flowcharts
- text processors: for documentation
- complex CASE tools for larger systems
functions of CASE tools
- system modelling
- data dictionary creation
- production of documentation
- automatic test data generation
- software versioning
- production of source code
are IDEs CASE tools?
lol no
CASE tools: software versions
- helps keep track of version numbers
- SCM(software config management): management of changes through a central body for tracking, checking, documenting
CASE tools: data dictionary
- allows up to date data dictionary
- good for large projects + complex data
CASE tools: test data
- generates test data, lots of it
- file comparator can compare 2 files
CASE tools: production of documentation
- produces documentation at the same time software is produced
- graphical e.g. adobe illustrator, create, Gsharp
- document-oriented based e.g. ALDA, docbuilder, lifeCDM
examples of CASE tools
- Oracle Designer
- AxiomSys
- DataFactory
meaning of installation/conversion
installation: introducing + implementing a new software product
conversion: when installation involves conversion from an old system to the new system it’s designed to replace
methods of installation(conversion)
- direct cut-over
- parallel
- phased
- pilot
direct cut-over method
old system deleted, new system installed
direct cut-over characteristics
- old system no longer available
- must be sure new system completely functional
- used when it is impossible for two systems to operate together
- data must be converted + imported, users must be trained to use new system
parallel method
involved operating both systems together for a period, so major problems can be corrected without loss of data
parallel method characteristics
- allows users to learn system
- old system = operational backup
- after new system meets requirements old system is deleted
- double the workload; all functions on both old + new systems
what is parallel useful for
when product is of a crucial nature, meaning there would be dire consequences if it were to fail
- old system continuation = protect crucial data
parallel method: developer’s pov
parallel = old + new system operating same time, different sites
- each individual site uses direct cut-over method
- commonly used with large customer base
- devs must support previous versions of product until conversion = complete
phased method meaning
involves gradual introduction of the new system whilst the old system is progressively discarded
- done through: introducing new parts of product, replacing old parts
when is phased method used
when new product is still under development
- completed modules released when available
- makes conversion more manageable
pilot method meaning
new system installed for small number of users, who learn + test + evaluate product; if good, system is installed
- can be seen as final testing of a product
pilot method uses
- good for new products: testing in operational setting
- users who are testers can teach other users how to use program
- dev + customer both evaluate product in functional environment before full installation
