Software Engineering by Rogger Pressman 5th Edition

When a computer software succeeds—when it meets the needs of the people

who use it, when it performs flawlessly over a long period of time, when it is

easy to modify and even easier to use—it can and does change things for the better.

But when software fails—when its users are dissatisfied, when it is error prone, when it is difficult to change and even harder to use—bad things can and do happen. 

We all want to build software that makes things better, avoiding the bad things that lurk

in the shadow of failed efforts. To succeed, we need discipline when software is

designed and built. We need an engineering approach.

In the 20 years since the first edition of this book was written, software engineering

has evolved from an obscure idea practiced by a relatively small number of zealots

to a legitimate engineering discipline. Today, it is recognized as a subject worthy of

serious research, conscientious study, and tumultuous debate. Throughout the industry,

software engineer has replaced programmer as the job title of preference. Software

process models, software engineering methods, and software tools have been adopted

successfully across a broad spectrum of industry applications.

Although managers and practitioners alike recognize the need for a more disciplined

approach to software, they continue to debate the manner in which discipline

is to be applied. Many individuals and companies still develop software haphazardly,

even as they build systems to service the most advanced technologies of the day.

Many professionals and students are unaware of modern methods. And as a result,

the quality of the software that we produce suffers and bad things happen. In addition,

debate and controversy about the true nature of the software engineering

approach continue. The status of software engineering is a study in contrasts. Attitudes

have changed, progress has been made, but much remains to be done before

the discipline reaches full maturity.