Software Development -- from Concept to Completion
B.L. Hutton, M.A. Kachmar, M.E. Randall · 2005
A large software development project is described with the steps taken toward completion. The software system was developed to support a new testing technology for digital computer designers. This software system was also required to fit into an existing, complex design automation system in IBM. The history of this design automation project over a three-year period and its characteristics are presented. The techniques used in development from initial modeling and requirement definition through shipment of code to the customers are identified. Techniques included are: development documentation, project planning, technical review meetings, automated testing tools, and formal inspections. Also discussed are some lessons learned. Changing requirements were all too common. While project planning was key, the critical factor was component staging from specification and development through testing and shipment. Management and technical awareness of the challenges were achieved through technical meetings. This led to the realization that the development process must change. Management and development perspectives were blended in this paper.