Software basics short-end guide

Short answers for code, software, Program

Here are short, direct definitions for your quick revision:

  1. Code: Instructions written in a programming language.
  2. Software: A collection of programs that run on a computer.
  3. Program: A set of coded instructions that perform a specific task.

Types of Software, types of companies, types of domains in software

Types of Software

  1. System Software – OS, device drivers.
  2. Application Software – MS Office, Photoshop.
  3. Programming Software – Compilers, IDEs.
  4. Embedded Software – Software in devices like washing machines, routers.

Types of Companies (Software Industry)

  1. Product-based – Develop own products (e.g. Microsoft, Google).
  2. Service-based – Provide IT services and solutions (e.g. TCS, Infosys).
  3. Startup companies – New ventures with innovative ideas.
  4. Consultancy companies – Provide domain-specific consulting and development.

Types of Domains in Software

  1. Banking & Finance
  2. Healthcare
  3. Retail & E-commerce
  4. Telecom
  5. Education
  6. Automobile
  7. Insurance
  8. Travel & Hospitality

Definitions, examples, or differences  – Types of Software, types of companies, types of domains in software

Here are definitions, examples, and differences for each, in your quick revision style:

Types of Software

TypeDefinitionExamples
System SoftwareControls hardware and runs applications.Windows, Linux, Mac OS.
Application SoftwareUsed by users to perform tasks.MS Word, Tally, Photoshop.
Programming SoftwareTools to write programs.GCC compiler, Visual Studio, Eclipse.
Embedded SoftwareRuns on embedded systems/devices.Software in microwave ovens, routers, washing machines.

Types of Companies

TypeDefinitionExamples
Product-basedBuild and sell their own software products.Google (Gmail, Android), Microsoft (Windows, Office).
Service-basedProvide IT services and client projects.TCS, Infosys, Wipro.
StartupsNew companies with unique products/ideas.Zomato, Swiggy, Paytm (initially).
ConsultancyAdvise and develop solutions for clients.Deloitte, Accenture.

  Difference:

  • Product-based focuses on own products.
  • Service-based works on client projects.
  • Start-ups build innovative solutions quickly.
  • Consultancy advises clients in tech, management, or domain solutions.

Types of Domains in Software

DomainDefinitionExamples
Banking & FinanceSoftware for banks, payments, trading.Internet banking apps, stock trading platforms.
HealthcareHospital management, patient records.Apollo EHR, lab management systems.
Retail & E-commerceOnline shopping, inventory systems.Amazon, Flipkart, POS software.
TelecomMobile networks, billing systems.Vodafone billing software, Jio apps.
EducationLearning platforms, school management.Byju’s, Blackboard LMS, ERP for schools.
AutomobileSoftware in cars, manufacturing systems.Car ECUs, Tesla Autopilot software.
InsurancePolicy management, claims processing.LIC policy software, claim portals.
Travel & HospitalityTicket booking, hotel management.MakeMyTrip, OYO management system.

Types programming languages, Types of testing , Types of databases

Types of Programming Languages

TypeDefinitionExamples
Low-LevelHardware-oriented, machine-friendly.Assembly, Machine code.
High-LevelHuman-readable, easy to code.C, Java, Python.
ProceduralFollows step-by-step procedures.C, Pascal.
Object-OrientedUses objects and classes.Java, C++, Python.
ScriptingFor automation and scripting tasks.JavaScript, Python, PHP.
FunctionalBased on mathematical functions.Haskell, Lisp.

Types of Testing

TypeDefinitionExamples/Tools
Unit TestingTesting individual units/modules.JUnit, NUnit.
Integration TestingTesting combined modules.Selenium, Postman.
System TestingTesting complete integrated system.End-to-end test scripts.
Acceptance TestingUser validates requirements.UAT (User Acceptance Testing).
Regression TestingEnsures new changes don’t break existing features.Automated scripts.
Performance TestingChecks speed, scalability.JMeter, LoadRunner.

Types of Databases

TypeDefinitionExamples
Relational DBStores data in tables with relations.MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server.
NoSQL DBNon-relational, for unstructured data.MongoDB, Cassandra.
Hierarchical DBData stored in tree-like structure.IBM IMS.
Network DBComplex relationships with graph structure.IDMS, TurboIMAGE.
Object-Oriented DBStores objects as in OOP languages.db4o, ObjectDB.
Distributed DBData distributed across multiple locations.Apache Cassandra, Google Spanner.

Types of SDLC Model, Types of Operating Systems , Software Engineering Principles

SDLC Models

ModelDefinitionExample Usage
WaterfallSequential phases, one after another.Small, clear projects.
V-ModelTesting planned parallel to development.Projects needing strict testing.
IncrementalDeveloped in small parts (increments).Adding features gradually.
SpiralCombines design & prototyping with risk analysis.Large, high-risk projects.
AgileIterative, adaptive, continuous feedback.Software products needing changes frequently (e.g. apps).
RAD (Rapid Application Development)Fast development with prototypes.Small-medium projects needing quick delivery.

Types of Operating Systems

TypeDefinitionExamples
Batch OSProcesses batches without user interaction.Early IBM mainframes.
Time-sharing OSMultiple users access at the same time.Unix, Linux.
Distributed OSMultiple computers work as a single system.LOCUS, Amoeba.
Real-Time OSImmediate processing for critical tasks.VxWorks, RTLinux.
Network OSSupports networking between computers.Windows Server, Novell NetWare.
Mobile OSRuns on smartphones and tablets.Android, iOS.

Software Engineering Principles

PrincipleDefinition
ModularityDivide software into small modules.
AbstractionHide complex details, show only essentials.
EncapsulationData + functions bundled together.
ReusabilityUse existing code for new applications.
MaintainabilityEasy to modify and fix software.
ScalabilityCan handle growth in users or data.
RobustnessHandles errors gracefully.

Types of Networks, OS Process States, DBMS Normal Forms, Computer Organization Topics

Types of Networks

TypeDefinitionExamples
LANLocal Area Network within small area.Office, school network.
MANMetropolitan Area Network covering city.Cable TV network.
WANWide Area Network covering large area.Internet, bank networks.
PANPersonal Area Network around person.Bluetooth, hotspot.
VPNVirtual Private Network for secure remote access.Corporate VPN.

OS Process States

StateDefinition
NewProcess is being created.
ReadyWaiting to be assigned to CPU.
RunningInstructions are being executed.
Waiting/BlockedWaiting for some event (I/O).
TerminatedProcess has finished execution.

DBMS Normal Forms

Normal FormDefinition
1NFNo repeating groups or arrays.
2NF1NF + no partial dependency (only on whole key).
3NF2NF + no transitive dependency.
BCNFEvery determinant is a candidate key.
4NFNo multi-valued dependencies.
5NFNo join dependency issues.

Computer Organization Topics (Key Points)

TopicShort Definition
RegistersSmall fast memory in CPU.
Cache MemoryFaster memory between RAM & CPU.
PipeliningOverlapping execution of instructions.
InterruptsSignals to CPU for immediate attention.
I/O DevicesInput: Keyboard, mouse; Output: Monitor, printer.
DMADirect Memory Access for fast data transfer.
MicroprocessorCPU on a single chip.
RISC & CISCRISC: Few instructions; CISC: Many complex instructions.

what is CMM, levels of companies, what is company and types

What is CMM?

  • CMM (Capability Maturity Model)
    ➔ A model to measure the maturity of software development processes in an organization.
    ➔ Developed by SEI (Software Engineering Institute).

CMM Levels (Maturity Levels of Companies)

LevelNameDefinition
1InitialNo defined process, ad hoc approach.
2RepeatableBasic project management, processes can be repeated.
3DefinedProcesses are documented and standardized.
4ManagedProcesses are measured and controlled.
5OptimizingContinuous process improvement.

What is a Company?

  • Definition:
    ➔ A legal entity formed to do business, produce goods, or provide services.

Types of Companies

TypeDefinitionExamples
Private LimitedPrivately held, limited shareholders.Infosys Pvt Ltd (initially).
Public LimitedShares traded publicly on stock exchange.TCS, Wipro, HCL.
StartupNew business with innovative solutions.Paytm, Ola.
PartnershipOwned by two or more partners.Law firms, audit firms.
Sole ProprietorshipOwned by single person.Small shops, freelancers.
GovernmentOwned and operated by government.BSNL, Indian Railways.
MNC (Multinational)Operates in multiple countries.Google, Microsoft, Amazon.

Detailed explanations or differences between CMM and ISO standards

CMM (Capability Maturity Model) – Detailed Explanation

  • Developed by: SEI (Software Engineering Institute), USA.
  • Purpose: To assess and improve software development processes in organizations.
  • Key Focus: Process maturity and capability improvement.

5 Levels of CMM

LevelNameKey Features
1InitialUnpredictable, ad hoc, no standard process.
2RepeatableBasic project management, can repeat successes.
3DefinedStandardized and documented processes.
4ManagedProcesses are measured, monitored, and controlled.
5OptimizingContinuous process improvement and innovation.

ISO vs. CMM – Differences

BasisISO (International Standards Organization)CMM (Capability Maturity Model)
NatureQuality standard for processes and products.Model to improve software processes.
FocusWhat should be done (standards).How processes can be improved (maturity levels).
CertificationCompany certified as ISO 9001 compliant.Company assessed at CMM Level 1–5.
ScopeApplicable to any industry.Mainly for software industry.
ApproachEnsures process exists and is followed.Measures process maturity and guides improvement.

Key Points to Remember

ISO – International quality standard (e.g. ISO 9001).
CMM – Software process maturity model with 5 levels.
Both aim for quality improvement, but ISO is generic, CMM is software-specific.

What are cloud services, types of cloud services, cloud technology

What is Cloud Services?

  • Definition:
    ➔ Services delivered over the internet that provide storage, computing, and applications without owning physical infrastructure.

Types of Cloud Services

TypeFull FormDefinitionExamples
IaaSInfrastructure as a ServiceProvides virtualized hardware resources.AWS EC2, Microsoft Azure VM.
PaaSPlatform as a ServiceProvides platforms to develop & deploy apps.Google App Engine, Heroku.
SaaSSoftware as a ServiceProvides ready-to-use software applications.Gmail, Office 365, Salesforce.

Memory tip:
IaaS (hardware), PaaS (platform), SaaS (software/apps).

Cloud Technology

  • Definition:
    ➔ Technology that enables on-demand access to computing resources (servers, storage, databases) via the internet.
  • Key Features:
      Scalability
      Cost-effective
      On-demand service
      High availability
      Pay-as-you-go model
  • Examples:
    ➔ Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    ➔ Microsoft Azure
    ➔ Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Differences between public, private, and hybrid clouds or detailed examples for each cloud service model

Public, Private, and Hybrid Clouds – Differences

TypeDefinitionExamplesKey Points
Public CloudServices offered over the public internet, shared among users.AWS, Azure, GCP.Cost-effective, scalable, less control over security.
Private CloudServices used by a single organization only.Company’s own data center cloud.More control, security, costly to maintain.
Hybrid CloudCombination of public and private clouds.AWS + company private cloud integration.Flexible, balances cost and security.

Detailed Examples for Cloud Service Models

Service ModelDefinitionExamples
IaaSProvides virtual machines, storage, networks. Users manage OS and apps.AWS EC2, Google Compute Engine, Azure VM.
PaaSProvides platform/framework to build and deploy apps. Users manage code, provider manages infrastructure.Google App Engine, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Microsoft Azure App Service.
SaaSProvides ready-made software applications via browser. Users just use it, no management required.Gmail, Google Drive, Salesforce, MS Office 365.

Key Points to Remember

    Public cloud – Shared, scalable, pay-per-use.
    Private cloud – Dedicated to one organization, secure.
    Hybrid cloud – Combines both for flexibility.
    IaaS Hardware resources, PaaS Platform for development, SaaS Ready-to-use software.

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