CEN 4010 MIDTERM EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE 2026
What is software? - Answers Computer programs and their documentation
What is software engineering? - Answers The application of a systematic, disciplined,
quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software.
It's an engineering discipline that deals with the initial creation and continued maintenance of
software.
Why do we as a society need such advanced software systems as created by software
engineering? - Answers They are reliable, trustworthy, economical, and quick
Why do businesses like the software engineering approach vs. just writing a program normally?
- Answers It is much more cost effective over the long run. Much of that cost comes from
maintaining or changing the software throughout its lifecycle
What does this represent?
Tools
Methods
Process
Quality Focus - Answers The layers of software engineering
What is a PROCESS in the context of software engineering? - Answers A concept used to both
hold the various layers of software in place and promote the rational & time efficient
development of software
What is a METHOD in the context of software engineering? - Answers The technical
specifications for building a piece of software
What are TOOLS in the context of software engineering? - Answers Items used to either
automate or semi-automate the method and process layers of a project
What is a QUALITY FOCUS in the context of software engineering? - Answers The foundation or
bedrock that supports a software engineering project
Software specification refers to? - Answers Defining the functionality and constraints of a piece
of software
, Finding out or eliciting the functional or non-functional portions of software
Analysis of software
The activity of software development is what? - Answers The creation of detailed, system
designs that are used to define how software is implemented.
Or plans on how the software should be created.
Software validation is? - Answers Testing software to ensure that it meets the software
specifications and does what the client wants.
Software evolution is what? - Answers An iterative process dictated by the customer as their
wants and needs change over time.
Or simply the maintenance of a piece of software.
What is the waterfall process model? - Answers A plan-driven model that breaks down a
software project into distinct chunks based on the required specifications.
Typically very linear and is not something that can handle sudden changes in plan without being
reworked
Incremental development is? - Answers A process model that separates portions of a project
into smaller chunks that are delivered incrementally over time.
Similar to preparing an appetizer, entrée, and then dessert rather than bringing them all out at
once.
Good for clients who need a piece of software delivered quickly.
It can either be plan-driven or agile.
What is software? - Answers Computer programs and their documentation
What is software engineering? - Answers The application of a systematic, disciplined,
quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software.
It's an engineering discipline that deals with the initial creation and continued maintenance of
software.
Why do we as a society need such advanced software systems as created by software
engineering? - Answers They are reliable, trustworthy, economical, and quick
Why do businesses like the software engineering approach vs. just writing a program normally?
- Answers It is much more cost effective over the long run. Much of that cost comes from
maintaining or changing the software throughout its lifecycle
What does this represent?
Tools
Methods
Process
Quality Focus - Answers The layers of software engineering
What is a PROCESS in the context of software engineering? - Answers A concept used to both
hold the various layers of software in place and promote the rational & time efficient
development of software
What is a METHOD in the context of software engineering? - Answers The technical
specifications for building a piece of software
What are TOOLS in the context of software engineering? - Answers Items used to either
automate or semi-automate the method and process layers of a project
What is a QUALITY FOCUS in the context of software engineering? - Answers The foundation or
bedrock that supports a software engineering project
Software specification refers to? - Answers Defining the functionality and constraints of a piece
of software
, Finding out or eliciting the functional or non-functional portions of software
Analysis of software
The activity of software development is what? - Answers The creation of detailed, system
designs that are used to define how software is implemented.
Or plans on how the software should be created.
Software validation is? - Answers Testing software to ensure that it meets the software
specifications and does what the client wants.
Software evolution is what? - Answers An iterative process dictated by the customer as their
wants and needs change over time.
Or simply the maintenance of a piece of software.
What is the waterfall process model? - Answers A plan-driven model that breaks down a
software project into distinct chunks based on the required specifications.
Typically very linear and is not something that can handle sudden changes in plan without being
reworked
Incremental development is? - Answers A process model that separates portions of a project
into smaller chunks that are delivered incrementally over time.
Similar to preparing an appetizer, entrée, and then dessert rather than bringing them all out at
once.
Good for clients who need a piece of software delivered quickly.
It can either be plan-driven or agile.
