Software Engineering: A Holistic View (Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory) [Hardcover]

Bruce I. Blum (Author)

Book Description

Series: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory | Publication Date: February 27, 1992

This text presents software engineering as an evolving discipline, and current practices are explained in the context of their initial goals and historical setting. The software process is one of problem solving, and the solutions must be expressed as formal models. This cohesive work provides a basic grounding in the process of software development and explains how a disciplined application of methods and tools can improve the quality and productivity of projects such as information systems, software tools, and engineering analyses. Designed as a text for upper-class undergraduates, or first-year graduates, this book offers an integrated and pragmatic overview of software engineering that should be of interest to practitioners as well. Techniques are compared and contrasted, and the way in which each responds to particular problems inherent in software engineering is demonstrated. All illustrations are drawn from a central case study--the development of a software configuration management system. The book contains exercises and an extended reading list.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Provides a framework that clarifies the various software engineering techniques and tools and their interrelationships. . . .The material covered and the clear and easy-to-read style makes this book an extremely well-written introduction in software engineering methods. In addition, it provides practitioners an excellent means to understand the different techniques nowadays available and how these fit in their problem-solving activity." --Meth. Inform. Med

"Blum provides a comprehensive summary of the state of the art of the practice in software engineering. Well written and organized; supplies ample material for understanding the intricacies of the process. Up to date with modern practices, it should be required reading for anyone entering the working world of software engineering." --Choice

"Blum reveals his long experience in software engineering by placing the subject in its historical context. He describes the origin of the term 'bug' and even includes a photograph of the original moth that caused a computer failure. He presents classic work such as Dijkstra's proof of the greatest common divisor algorithm and Parnas' original paper on information hiding." --The Times Higher Education Supplement

"Among the books I had a chance to see, this is the most systematic and best written one. For everybody who wants to go beyond the buzzwords and learn about underlying principles and their historic development, this book is the best one to read. Software engineering is presented as a discipline based on principles and ties together by underlying concerns, a discipline which is very much integrated and alive. It is systematically explored, and individual methods, tools. and techniques are presented as pieces fitting into that 'larger context.' An excellent text for a graduate course in software engineering, with exercises for each section" --Computer

A radical and refreshing departure from most treatments of software engineering as a broad topic....The writing is highly readable, sometimes humorous, and never dry. The topics covered are relevant and current, the content is technically correct, and the presentation is excellent....In summary, the book is sound pedagogy, suitable for upper level undergraduate and early graduate courses; it contrasts existing methods in a way that will aid practitioners in selecting from among competing methods, and it discusses industrial practices, which will help academicians better understand industry's challenges. Among the recent flood of software engineering texts, I recommend that you consider this one seriously. I did and found it a winner." --IEEE Software

About the Author

Bruce I. Blum, Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 608 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 27, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019507159X
• ISBN-13: 978-0195071597
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,680,857 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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