Software engineering continues to be dogged by claims it is not engineering. Adopting a computer-systems view that embraces hardware, software, and user environment may help.
The full text of this article is premium content
Comments
Edward Lowry
February 28, 2013 02:46
Engineering is largely getting more for less. In software that implies getting more functionality for less complexity. That requires eliminating extraneous complexity including that which is imposed by badly designed language. Currently used languages are are deficient on 6 leading edges compared to what was being designed at IBM 40 years ago:
1. simplicity of expression
2. fluency of expression.
3. generality of subject matter.
4. flexibility of data structures.
5. modularity of basic information building blocks.
6. durability of underlying design.
Hostility toward serious simplification has devastated software engineering for decades.
Edward S. Lowry, http://users.rcn.com/eslowry
Displaying 1 comment
Log in to Read the Full Article
Sign In
Sign in using your ACM Web Account username and password to access premium content if you are an ACM member, Communications subscriber or Digital Library subscriber.
Need Access?
Please select one of the options below for access to premium content and features.
Create a Web Account
If you are already an ACM member, Communications subscriber, or Digital Library subscriber, please set up a web account to access premium content on this site.
Join the ACM
Become a member to take full advantage of ACM's outstanding computing information resources, networking opportunities, and other benefits.
Subscribe to Communications of the ACM Magazine
Get full access to 50+ years of CACM content and receive the print version of the magazine monthly.
Purchase the Article
Non-members can purchase this article or a copy of the magazine in which it appears.