TABLE OF CONTENTS This section of the book looks at software maintenance in context. It aims to set the scene for looking in detail at what happens during the maintenance process, and to provide a grounding in the subject that will support you in the building of better software systems.
As with any discipline, it is important to have a good understanding of the theoretical base and the context within which it operates, in order to understand the cutting edge and be able to take the discipline forward.
In this first part of the book, we will look at the basic concepts of software maintenance and the overall framework within which it operates. This includes a study of the fundamentals of software change, some of the limitations and constraints, and finally a look at the theory of maintenance process models.
A study of the basic concepts shows where and how software maintenance fits within the discipline of software engineering. It highlights the aspects that make software maintenance a distinct discipline, whilst exploring why software maintenance is needed and how it can be carried out effectively.
A study of the framework within which software maintenance operates, roots the discipline firmly in the real world and gives a flavour for how many different elements must be...
