Software Engineering

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6.1 
Software as a raw material
Table 6.2 
Key Software Terms and Definitions
Term
Definition
Code
Instructions expressed in the syntax of a programming language that 
can be compiled and executed regardless of the correctness of the 
code or the validity of the data processing results.
Module
An early structured programming term to refer to a self-contained 
routine or procedure that represents a part or element of a larger 
program. Modules represent a separation of concerns and improve 
software maintainability by enforcing boundaries referred to as 
interfaces. Modules are executed within a larger program through 
the invoking of the module’s interface. A module interface expresses 
the data items that are provided to and returned by a module when 
invoked.
Modularity
The compartmentalization and interrelation of the parts of a software 
program. Module programming can be performed even where the 
programming language lacks explicit syntactic features to support 
named modules.
Object
In object-oriented programming, a class is a module that 
encapsulates the data attributes and set of procedures used to set 
and retrieve their values. An object is an instance of a class that has 
a unique identity (specific values that distinguish it from other objects 
of that class), a state that describes the data values stored within an 
object, and behaviors that specify the interfaces by which the object 
can be accessed.
Program
A combination of modules or objects that perform an array of 
business or operational data processing tasks. The executable form 
of a program is in binary form, which a computer can execute. The 
human-readable form is expressed in source code in a software 
language that the programmer can edit. A program in source code 
form must be compiled, assembled, and linked with other essential 
referenced library routines to produce an executable file.
Application
A specialized program designed to perform business or operational 
tasks. Application is a term used to distinguish general-purpose 
programs, such as word processors, spreadsheets, video players, 
etc., from system software and middleware. Applications manage 
and integrate a computer’s capabilities, but do not directly support 
the user in performing a business or operational task.
System software 
and middleware
Middleware is software that provides computing services to software 
applications beyond those available from the operating system, or 
provides connections between software applications so that they can 
exchange data.
Product
Any software program or application that is being developed for the 
express purpose of commercial distribution, customer delivery, or to 
facilitate enterprise processes. A generic term used to address the 
focus of a software development effort on the product and its post-
development processes.

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