A2 Software Engineering

Question 1

Version Management

Answer 1

Version management is the process of tracking, storing and managing changes made to a program over time

Question 2

Role and advantages of Version Management

Answer 2

Keeps a history of changes.
Allows developers to revert to previous versions.
Enables multiple developers to work on the same project.
Prevents accidental loss of code.
Supports branching and merging.

Question 3

Systems Analysis

Answer 3

Purpose of this stage: Understand the current system. Identify problems and user requirements.
Appropriate software packages & their role:
Word processors - Document interviews, questionnaires, and requirements.
Spreadsheets - Analyse existing data, costs, and workflows.
Diagramming tools - Create: Data flow diagrams and Flowcharts
Survey tools/databases - Store and analyse user responses
These tools help clearly capture and organise system requirements.

Question 4

Systems Specification

Answer 4

Purpose of this stage: Define exactly what the new system must do. Create a formal specification.
Appropriate software packages & their role:
Word processors - Produce requirements specifications. Describe inputs, outputs, processing, and constraints.
Presentation software - Present system proposals to stakeholders.
Diagramming software - Use case diagrams. System models.
These tools ensure requirements are clear, unambiguous, and agreed upon.

Question 5

Systems Design

Answer 5

Purpose of this stage: Plan how the system will be built. Design structure, interfaces, and data.
Appropriate software packages & their role:
Computer-Aided Software Engineering tools
Design: UML diagrams. Class diagrams. Sequence diagrams.
GUI design tools - Create interface mock-ups and prototypes.
Database design software - Design tables, relationships, and schemas.
These tools reduce errors and ensure a well-structured system before coding begins.

Question 6

Testing

Answer 6

Purpose of this stage: Ensure the system works correctly. Identify and fix errors
Appropriate software packages & their role:
Testing frameworks - Automate unit and integration testing
Debuggers - Step through code. Inspect variables.
Test management tools - Record test cases and results.
Version control systems - Track changes and roll back faulty versions.
These tools help detect faults efficiently and improve software reliability.