Computer Aided Software Engineering

What Does Computer Aided Software Engineering Mean?

Computer-aided software engineering (CASE) is the application of computer-assisted tools and methods in software development to ensure a high-quality and defect-free software. CASE ensures a check-pointed and disciplined approach and helps designers, developers, testers, managers and others to see the project milestones during development.

CASE can also serve as a repository for project-related documents like business plans, requirements and design specifications. One of the best advantages of using CASE is the delivery of the final product, which is more likely to meet real-world requirements as it ensures that customers remain part of the process.

Techopedia Explains Computer Aided Software Engineering

The CASE approach covers the entire cycle of product development, including code generation, product tools, repositories, prototyping and other tools.

Various tools are incorporated in CASE and are called CASE tools, which are used to support different stages and milestones in a software development lifecycle.

Types of CASE tools include:

• Diagramming Tools: Help in diagrammatic and graphical representations of the data and system processes.
• Computer Display and Report Generators: Help in understanding the data requirements and the relationships involved.
• Analysis Tools: Focus on inconsistent, incorrect specifications involved in the diagram and data flow.
• Central Repository: Provides the single point of storage for data diagrams, reports and documents related to project management.
• Documentation Generators: Help in generating user and technical documentation as per standards.
• Code Generators: Aid in the auto generation of code, including definitions, with the help of the designs, documents and diagrams.

The advantages of the CASE approach include:

• As special emphasis is placed on redesign as well as testing, the servicing cost of a product over its expected lifetime is considerably reduced.
• The overall quality of the product is improved as an organized approach is undertaken during the process of development.
• Chances to meet real-world requirements are more likely and easier with a computer-aided software engineering approach.

CASE indirectly provides an organization with a competitive advantage by helping ensure the development of high-quality products.