What This Document Is
This resource is a focused exploration of software quality factors, a core component of the Software Quality Assurance (CSCI 626) course at Winthrop University. It delves into the various characteristics and attributes that define high-quality software, moving beyond simply whether a program *works* to *how well* it works and how easily it can be adapted and maintained. It examines established frameworks and standards used in the field to assess and improve software quality.
Why This Document Matters
This material is essential for students pursuing careers in software development, testing, quality assurance, or project management. Understanding these factors is crucial for defining clear requirements, designing robust systems, and evaluating the effectiveness of testing efforts. It’s particularly valuable when you need a structured approach to identifying areas for improvement in existing software or when establishing quality goals for new projects. Professionals will find this a useful reference when needing to articulate quality expectations to stakeholders.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This resource focuses on *identifying* and *categorizing* quality factors. It does not provide detailed, step-by-step instructions on *how* to implement specific quality assurance techniques or tools. It also doesn’t offer pre-built templates or checklists. While it references industry standards, it doesn’t provide a comprehensive overview of all SQA methodologies. It assumes a foundational understanding of software development principles.
What This Document Provides
* An overview of key software quality factor models, including ISO 9126 and McCall’s Quality Factors.
* A comprehensive listing of attributes related to software quality, categorized for clarity.
* Discussion of the relationship between quality factors and software requirements documentation.
* Insights into how measuring these factors can drive improvements in the software development lifecycle.
* References to relevant IEEE standards and resources for further exploration.
* Exploration of different classes of measures related to product and process quality.
