Software Engineering | Classification of Software

Software Engineering is the systematic approach to developing software products, involving the analysis of user needs and subsequent design, construction, and testing of end-user applications using various programming languages.

The production of software should meet three fundamental criteria: cost-effectiveness, timely delivery, and high-quality output. These three parameters play a pivotal role in shaping and defining a software project.

Cost: The primary cost associated with software development is the human effort invested, generally quantified in person-months of development. Productivity within the software industry varies, with coding rates ranging from a few hundred to over 1000 lines of code per person per month.

Schedule: In many projects, adhering to a schedule is crucial. Market trends emphasize the importance of reducing time-to-market, which necessitates faster software development while adhering to specific timeframes.

Quality: Quality is a cornerstone of software engineering. The development of high-quality software is a fundamental objective in this field.

Attributes of Software:

Software quality is assessed through six primary attributes:

Reliability: The capacity to provide error-free service.

Functionality: The ability to offer functions that fulfill stated and implied needs during software use.

Usability: The capability to be easily understood, learned, and utilized.

Efficiency: The capacity to deliver adequate performance relative to the resources consumed.

Maintainability: The capability to be modified for correction, improvement, or adaptation.

Portability: The ability to adapt to different environments without requiring additional actions or means beyond what the product provides.

Classification of Software:

Software can be categorized based on various criteria, including:

Purpose: System software (e.g., operating systems, device drivers) vs. application software (e.g., word processors, games).

Platform: Native software (designed for a specific operating system) vs. cross-platform software (designed to run on multiple operating systems).

Deployment: Installed software (installed on the user's device) vs. cloud-based software (hosted on remote servers and accessed via the internet).

License: Proprietary software (owned by a single entity) vs. open-source software (freely available with public access to source code).

Development Model: Traditional software (developed using a waterfall model) vs. agile software (developed using an iterative and adaptive approach).

Size: Small-scale software (for single users or small groups) vs. enterprise software (for large organizations).

User Interface: Graphical User Interface (GUI) software vs. Command-Line Interface (CLI) software.

Understanding these classifications is vital for grasping the features and limitations of different software types, aiding in choosing the most suitable software for specific needs.

Types of Software:

Software is utilized across various domains, including healthcare, finance, education, defense, and more, and can be categorized as follows:

Based on Application:

1. System Software: This category encompasses essential software that manages computer resources and supports the execution of application programs. It includes operating systems, compilers, editors, and drivers. Operating systems are critical for bridging the gap between program requirements and machine capabilities, while compilers translate high-level language programs into machine code.
2. Application Software: Application software is designed to directly interact with users and meet their requirements. It can be divided into two major categories: generic and customized. Generic software is universally accessible and offers standardized functionality. In contrast, customized software is tailored to specific client needs and is not available for general use. Software engineering involves a systematic approach to developing software products that meet user needs while adhering to cost, schedule, and quality considerations. Understanding software classifications and types is crucial for effectively choosing and utilizing software in various applications.
3. Networking and Web Applications Software: Networking Software is the backbone that facilitates seamless communication between computers and data storage systems. Its significance amplifies when software operates within a network, such as the World Wide Web. This category encompasses an array of software components, including network management tools, server software, security and encryption solutions, and software frameworks for developing web-based applications, such as HTML, PHP, XML, and more.
4. Embedded Software: Embedded Software is intricately woven into hardware components, typically residing in Read-Only Memory (ROM) as a fundamental component of larger systems. It functions to support specific functionalities within controlled environments. Examples of embedded software applications span across diverse domains, from washing machines and satellites to microwaves, underlining its ubiquity in our daily lives.
5. Reservation Software: Reservation Systems play a pivotal role in information storage, retrieval, and transaction management for various activities, including air travel, car rentals, and hotel accommodations. They also extend their utility to bus and railway reservations, though integration with the primary system isn't always seamless. In the hotel industry, these systems ensure efficient reservation management and prevent overbooking, delivering essential services to both businesses and customers.
6. Business Software: Business Software represents one of the most widespread and indispensable categories. It serves as the lifeblood of myriad business applications spanning diverse sectors such as inventory management, accounting, banking, healthcare, education, and stock markets, among others. The efficiency and functionality of modern enterprises heavily rely on this software.
7. Entertainment Software: Entertainment and Educational Software serve as powerful tools, particularly in educational agencies, especially those dedicated to nurturing young minds. This expansive category encompasses a diverse array of software, including computer games, educational games, translation tools, mapping applications, and more, catering to both leisure and learning.
8. Artificial Intelligence Software: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Software encompasses a realm of sophistication, housing systems like expert systems, decision support systems, pattern recognition software, and artificial neural networks. These software solutions tackle intricate problems that demand complex computations driven by non-numerical algorithms, contributing significantly to fields like robotics, data analysis, and natural language processing.
9. Scientific Software: Scientific and Engineering Software is tailored to meet the specific needs of scientific and engineering professionals, empowering them to perform industry-specific tasks efficiently. Crafted for particular applications, these software solutions leverage principles, techniques, and formulae unique to their respective fields. Notable examples include software like MATLAB, AUTOCAD, PSPICE, and ORCAD, instrumental in research and development.
10. Utility Software: Utility Software encompasses programs that execute specific tasks distinct from other software, differing in terms of size, cost, and complexity. This category encompasses a wide spectrum of tools, including antivirus utilities, voice recognition software, compression programs, and more. Utility software caters to specialized user needs, streamlining everyday tasks.
11. Document Management Software: Document Management Software plays a pivotal role in modernizing document-related processes, aiming to reduce paperwork's burdensome weight. These systems offer features like version tracking, which keeps records of document versions created and modified by different users, facilitating collaboration and maintaining document integrity. Features such as storage, versioning, metadata management, security measures, and indexing and retrieval capabilities enhance document organization and access.

Classification Based on Copyright

Software classification can also be approached from the perspective of copyright considerations, resulting in the following categories:

1. Commercial Software: Commercial Software forms the bulk of software acquisitions, typically purchased from software companies and commercial vendors. Users obtain a license key upon purchase, allowing them to use the software within specified terms. Generally, users are prohibited from making copies of the software, as the copyright remains with the company.
2. Shareware Software: Shareware Software, though subject to copyright protection, follows a different distribution model. Users are permitted to create and distribute copies with a caveat: if the user decides to continue using the software after a trial period, they must purchase a license. In both commercial and shareware software, modifications to the software are typically restricted.
3. Freeware Software: Freeware Software, under its licensing terms, permits users to create copies for archival and distribution purposes without profit motives. Users are encouraged to create derivative works and modify the software, distinguishing it from other categories. Importantly, decompiling the program code is allowed without explicit permission from the copyright holder.
4. Public Domain Software: In the case of public domain software, the original copyright holder explicitly relinquishes all rights to the software. Consequently, users can create copies for archival and distribution without any restrictions. Furthermore, modifications and reverse engineering are also allowed without requiring explicit consent from the copyright holder.

The diverse landscape of software encompasses various categories, each tailored to meet specific functionalities and industry needs. Copyright considerations add another layer of nuance, influencing software distribution and usage rights. Understanding these classifications is essential for making informed decisions in the world of software.

The world of software is a dynamic tapestry of innovation, catering to an array of specialized needs across industries. As we navigate this landscape, we must recognize the pivotal role that copyright considerations play in shaping software distribution. This multifaceted realm continues to evolve, driving progress, efficiency, and innovation across the digital landscape, ensuring that software remains a cornerstone of modern civilization's technological advancement.