The document discusses the origins and drivers of software engineering as a discipline. It arose in response to frequent software project failures in the late 1960s, termed the "software crisis". Key points:
- Software engineering aims to apply systematic and quantifiable principles to software development and maintenance to improve quality, productivity and job satisfaction.
- It draws on computer science, management science, economics and other fields. Processes and models help manage complex software projects.
- Early process models included waterfall and prototyping. Later agile models like spiral emphasize iterative development and risk management over rigid phases.