Q1. What are design concepts in Q3. What is architectural design in software Q6.

n software Q6. What is regression testing and why is it Q10. Explain architectural styles in software engineering.
software engineering? Design engineering? important?
concepts are fundamental principles that Architectural styles describe common patterns for
guide software engineers in creating Architectural design defines the high-level Regression testing is the process of re-testing organizing software systems. Examples include Layered
efficient, maintainable, and scalable structure of a software system, showing how software after changes like bug fixes, Architecture (system divided into layers such as
systems. The key concepts include components interact to meet requirements. It enhancements, or modifications to ensure that presentation, business logic, and data), Client–Server
abstraction (representing essential specifies modules, their interfaces, previously working features still function (clients request services from servers), Pipe-and-Filter
details while hiding complexity), relationships, and communication paths. The correctly. It ensures that new updates do not (data processed through sequential filters), and Service-
refinement (stepwise elaboration of main goals are performance, scalability, introduce unintended errors or break existing Oriented Architecture (SOA) (independent services
design), modularity (dividing the system reliability, and maintainability. Architectural functionality. Automated test suites are often communicating through protocols). Choosing the right style
into smaller components), architecture design often uses architectural styles such as used for regression testing as they save time and impacts performance, scalability, and maintainability. For
(overall structure), patterns (reusable layered architecture, client-server, pipe-and- improve coverage. This testing is crucial in example, layered architecture supports modularity, while
solutions to common problems), and filter, and service-oriented architecture. It iterative and agile models where frequent client-server supports distributed systems. Styles provide
information hiding (restricting provides a foundation for both functional and updates occur. Without regression testing, reusable templates that guide system structure and
unnecessary access). These concepts non-functional requirements. Once software quality may decline due to hidden bugs. communication patterns. Selecting an appropriate style
ensure clarity, reduce complexity, and established, it guides detailed design and It ultimately increases reliability, reduces early ensures the architecture can handle functional needs
enhance reusability. Good design also implementation. By mapping system functions maintenance costs, and builds confidence before and adapt to future business or technical changes.
emphasizes cohesion (how strongly onto architecture, designers ensure that the releasing the product to users or customers.
module elements relate) and coupling software structure is robust, flexible, and able Q11. What is user interface design and its steps?
to adapt to future changes with minimal Q8. What is risk management in software
(interdependence between modules).
rework. projects? User Interface (UI) design focuses on creating interactive
Following these principles leads to
systems that are easy to use and visually appealing. It
structured systems, easier debugging,
Q4. What are software testing fundamentals? Risk management identifies, analyzes, and involves interface analysis (understanding user needs,
and reduced development cost while
addresses potential problems that may threaten tasks, and environments), interface design (creating
ensuring scalability and quality.
Software testing fundamentals are principles a project’s success. Risks may include cost layouts, navigation, and interaction models), and interface
ensuring the effectiveness of testing. Key overruns, schedule delays, technical failures, or validation (testing usability). A good UI ensures consistency,
.Q2. Explain the design model in software
fundamentals include: Testing shows the resource shortages. The process involves risk responsiveness, error handling, and accessibility. Designers
engineering. The design
presence of defects, not their absence; identification, risk projection (probability and use principles like user-centered design, simplicity, and
model represents the blueprint of a
exhaustive testing is impossible, so risk-based impact analysis), and risk mitigation planning. feedback. Tools such as prototypes and wireframes are
software system before implementation.
testing is applied; early testing reduces cost; The RMMM plan (Risk Mitigation, Monitoring, used to test usability before implementation. Effective UI
It bridges analysis and coding by
defect clustering means most defects are found and Management) outlines strategies to handle design reduces errors, improves productivity, and enhances
describing system structure, behavior,
in a few modules; and pesticide paradox risks throughout the project lifecycle. Proactive user satisfaction, ultimately leading to successful adoption
and data organization. Major elements
indicates test cases must be updated regularly. risk management reduces uncertainty, prevents of the software system
include the data design model
Testing should be context-dependent and crises, and ensures better decision-making. By
(structures, databases, and schemas),
demonstrate both expected and unexpected continuously monitoring risks, project managers Q12. What is component-level design?
the architectural design model (overall
behavior. These fundamentals guide testers in can implement contingency plans, minimizing
system framework), the interface design Component-level design focuses on defining the internal
planning and executing effective test strategies, negative outcomes. Effective risk management
model (interaction between users, details of individual software components. A component is
increasing quality and reliability while directly contributes to successful, cost-effective,
components, and systems), and the a modular, deployable, and replaceable unit that provides
minimizing cost. Testing confirms that software and timely software project delivery.
component-level design model (detailed functionality through well-defined interfaces. Design
meets requirements and works correctly under
design of individual modules). Together, involves specifying classes, data structures, algorithms, and
various conditions. Q9. What are design heuristics in software
these provide a clear visualization of how interfaces. In object-oriented systems, class-based
engineering?
the system will function. A good design components are designed with attributes, methods, and
Q5. Explain white-box and black-box testing.
model improves communication among Design heuristics are guidelines or best practices relationships like inheritance and aggregation. In traditional
stakeholders, supports maintainability, White-box testing is a structural testing method that assist engineers in making effective design systems, components are designed as functions or
and reduces risks by identifying issues where the internal logic and code of the system decisions. They are not strict rules but provide modules. Component-level design ensures cohesion within
early in the software development are examined. It involves techniques like basis direction to improve software quality. Examples components and loose coupling among components,
lifecycle. path testing, control structure testing, and loop include modularity (divide system into promoting reusability and maintainability. It acts as the link
testing to ensure complete code coverage. manageable parts), abstraction (focus on between high-level architecture and coding, ensuring that
Q7. Explain software project estimation
Developers use knowledge of algorithms, essential features), information hiding (limit each component is precise and implementable.
methods.
conditions, and statements to design test cases. access to details), and use of patterns (reuse
proven solutions). Heuristics also emphasize low Q13. What is debugging in software development?
Software project estimation predicts
Black-box testing, on the other hand, focuses coupling and high cohesion, clarity, and
effort, cost, and time required for Debugging is the process of identifying, isolating, and fixing
only on software functionality without reusability. By following them, designers reduce
development. Common techniques defects in software after testing reveals failures. It is a
considering internal code. It verifies input- complexity, enhance maintainability, and
include Lines of Code (LOC)-based systematic activity where developers analyze code
output behavior using techniques like improve scalability. These heuristics act as
estimation and Function Point (FP)-based behavior, track down faulty logic, and correct errors.
equivalence partitioning, boundary value checkpoints during design reviews, ensuring the
estimation. LOC estimates size by Common debugging techniques include brute force
analysis, and decision tables. Together, both resulting system is efficient, reliable, and aligned
counting expected lines of code, while FP debugging (print statements/logs), backtracking (tracing
methods complement each other by ensuring with user and business requirements.
measures functionality delivered to the program execution), and cause elimination (testing
correctness of both internal structure and
user. The COCOMO I & II models extend hypotheses about errors). Debugging is supported by
external functionality of the software.
estimation by considering project automated tools and integrated development
complexity, cost drivers, and environments (IDEs). It is iterative because fixing one defect
productivity. Additionally, estimation may reveal others. Effective debugging ensures reliability,
involves a make or buy decision to reduces risks, and improves software quality, making it an
evaluate whether software should be essential step before deployment and user acceptance of
developed in-house or purchased. the software.
Accurate estimation helps in scheduling,
budgeting, and resource allocation,
ensuring timely delivery and reducing
the risk of project overruns or failures.
Q14. Explain software maintenance and Q16. Explain project scheduling in software
its types. engineering.

Project scheduling organizes tasks, resources,

and timelines to ensure successful project
Answer (100 words): delivery. It involves defining activities,
estimating their duration, assigning resources,
Software maintenance is the process of
and determining dependencies. Tools like Gantt
modifying software after delivery to
charts, PERT charts, and Critical Path Method
correct faults, improve performance, or
(CPM) are used for planning and tracking.
adapt it to a changed environment.
Scheduling helps identify bottlenecks and
Types include corrective maintenance
allocate resources efficiently. In software
(fixing defects), adaptive maintenance
engineering, it ensures timely completion of
(adjusting to new environments like OS
activities like requirement analysis, design,
updates), perfective maintenance
coding, testing, and deployment. Effective
(enhancing features and performance),
scheduling also supports Earned Value Analysis
and preventive maintenance (avoiding
(EVA) to track progress and cost performance.
future issues by restructuring code).
By maintaining realistic timelines, scheduling
Maintenance may involve refactoring,
minimizes risks, avoids delays, and ensures
reengineering, or reverse engineering
project success within budget and scope.
for legacy systems. It is crucial because
most costs occur after initial Q17 What is a project plan and planning
development. Effective maintenance process?
extends system life, ensures relevance,
and improves reliability, making it one of A project plan is a formal document that
the most important long-term activities defines how a software project will be
in the software lifecycle. executed, monitored, and controlled. It covers
scope, objectives, schedules, resources,
Q15. What is software reengineering budget, risk management, and quality
and its process? measures. The planning process includes
defining project scope, identifying deliverables,
Software reengineering involves
estimating cost and effort, assigning roles, and
analyzing and modifying existing
scheduling activities. It also involves risk
software to improve quality, reduce
identification and mitigation strategies. A good
complexity, and adapt it for future use
project plan serves as a roadmap for
without changing functionality. The
stakeholders, ensuring alignment and clear
reengineering process model includes
communication. Without planning, projects
inventory analysis (identify candidates),
face delays, overruns, and quality issues. Thus,
document restructuring, reverse
project planning is critical to ensure software
engineering (analyze existing code),
development is systematic, predictable, and
code restructuring, data restructuring,
successful.
and forward engineering (develop
improved version). Reengineering is
often applied to legacy systems with
poor documentation or outdated Q18. What are CASE tools and their benefits?
technology. Benefits include cost
savings, enhanced maintainability, and CASE (Computer-Aided Software Engineering)
extended software lifespan. Unlike tools are automated software tools that
redevelopment, reengineering support various phases of software
preserves business rules while development. They include Upper CASE tools
modernizing technology. It is crucial for (support analysis and design), Lower CASE tools
organizations that depend on mission- (support coding, testing, and maintenance),
critical systems but want to optimize and Integrated CASE tools (cover the entire
performance and maintainability lifecycle). Examples include modeling tools,
code generators, testing tools, and
configuration management systems. Benefits
of CASE tools include increased productivity,
improved quality, reduced errors, faster
documentation, and better collaboration
among teams. They enforce standards and
provide automation in repetitive tasks, making
development more efficient. In modern
practice, CASE tools are essential for managing
complex software projects effectively.