Software Engineering & Science

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COEN	
  285	
  	
  
NAME:	
  RICARDO	
  GUIA	
  
HOMEWORK 1 
This week we have discussed various software engineering issues of process, principles, and 
people. In this write up, take the time to reflect on the discussions we have had in class and look 
back at your notes. With the knowledge you have gained so far, answer the following: 
1. What if we asserted that software engineering is not an engineering 
discipline but a discipline of science? Whether you agree or not, defend 
this assertion. 
First, we need to define science to assert that software engineering is a 
discipline of science. We have the following definitions1: 
• a branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths 
systematically arranged. 
• systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained 
through observation and experimentation. 
• any of the branches of natural or physical science. 
• systematized knowledge in general. 
• skill, especially reflecting a precise application of facts or principles; 
proficiency. 
In Software engineering we have a set of objectives, constraints, steps, 
and principles. 
For instance, the software engineering steps (analysis, design, code, and 
test) demonstrates a process that applies principles (reuse, decomposition, 
abstraction, modularity, and completeness) to obtain proficiency, better results, 
and efficiency. 
Therefore, science has a lot of definitions in common with software 
engineering, allowing us to assert that software engineering is a science 
discipline. 
 	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  1	
  Definition	
  from	
  http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/science	
  accessed	
  on	
  09/27/2015	
  
2. Are software engineers really scientists? Why or why not? 
Software engineers cannot be considered just scientists, but also 
engineers. Besides the abstraction of the product, they have to create a product 
that is viable as well. Using the waterfall model we can demonstrate better how 
engineers and software engineers have characteristics in common. The table 
below shows the similarity between engineers and software engineers: 
Engineers	
   Software	
  Engineers	
  
Evaluates	
   Analyzes	
  
Design	
   Design	
  
Build	
   Code	
  
Test	
   Test	
  
Install	
   Deploy	
  
 
Engineers and software engineers make analysis before start working to 
avoid time waste. 
In addition, they design and prototype to have an idea of their final 
product. 
Building and coding are related to the physical creation of the product. 
Another important step is to test. By testing we can a have product with no 
or minor issues. 
Engineers they install their equipment like the software engineers deploy 
them. 
Therefore, by the definitions that we have, software engineers are real 
engineers.