Questions and answers
What is software engineering?
The systematic application of engineering principles to the development, operation and maintenance of software.
What are the phases of SDLC?
Requirement analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment and maintenance.
Explain the waterfall model.
A linear model where each phase is completed before the next begins. It suits projects with fixed, well-understood requirements.
What is the agile model?
An iterative approach that delivers working software in short cycles with continuous customer feedback.
What is Scrum?
An agile framework using fixed-length sprints, a product backlog, daily stand-ups and roles such as product owner and scrum master.
What is an SRS?
The Software Requirements Specification: a document listing the functional and non-functional requirements of the system.
What is the difference between functional and non-functional requirements?
Functional requirements state what the system does. Non-functional requirements state how well: performance, security, usability.
What are cohesion and coupling?
Cohesion is how closely the parts of one module belong together; coupling is how dependent modules are on each other. Aim for high cohesion and low coupling.
What is the difference between verification and validation?
Verification checks that the product is built right (reviews, walkthroughs). Validation checks that the right product is built (testing against user needs).
What is the difference between black box and white box testing?
Black box tests functionality without looking at code. White box tests internal logic and paths.
What are the levels of testing?
Unit, integration, system and acceptance testing.
What is regression testing?
Re-running tests after a change to make sure existing features still work.
What is a use case diagram?
A UML diagram showing actors and the functions they perform with the system.
What is a DFD?
A data flow diagram showing how data moves between processes, data stores and external entities.
What is the difference between alpha and beta testing?
Alpha testing is done in-house before release. Beta testing is done by real users in their environment.
What is risk management?
Identifying, analysing and planning responses to things that can go wrong in a project.
What is COCOMO?
A model that estimates effort and time from the size of the software in lines of code.
What is a prototype model?
Building a quick working model to clarify requirements before the full system.
What is software maintenance?
Changes after delivery: corrective, adaptive, perfective and preventive.
Which model did you use for your project and why?
State the model you actually followed and connect it to how your guide reviewed your work.
FAQs
Is this useful for MSBTE Software Engineering (STE 315323)?
Yes. It covers the K-scheme fifth semester Software Engineering oral topics, and the testing questions also help with Software Testing (SFT 316314).
Last reviewed: 2026-10-11. Always follow the format your own department gives you.