1.

Two factors that contribute to software project failure

There are several factors that contribute to software project failures, this factors all have the
important aspects that hinder the success of a project ,two key factors often cited in the criticism
of software engineering for modern software development are

Poor Requirements Gathering and Management:

Inadequate or poorly defined requirements are a common root cause of software project failures.
If the project team doesn't have a clear understanding of what the software is supposed to achieve
and how it should function, it can lead to scope creep, misunderstandings, and ultimately project
delays or failures.

With the poor requirement gathering and management have a lot of consequences which are
inaccurate requirements can result in the development of a system that does not meet user needs
or business objectives. Changes to requirements during the development process can lead to
increased costs, missed deadlines, and a product that does not align with the stakeholders'
expectations.

Ineffective Communication and Collaboration:

Issue: Communication breakdowns among project stakeholders, including developers, designers,
testers, and end-users, can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and misaligned expectations. Lack
of collaboration and feedback loops can result in a project that does not evolve in response to
changing requirements or emerging issues.

Consequences: Inadequate communication and collaboration can lead to a lack of trust among
team members, ineffective problem-solving, and an inability to adapt to changing project
dynamics. This can result in a final product that does not meet quality standards or user
expectations.
 2. Types of applications
There is a diverse array of applications tailored for different purposes. As a software developer
we can break down at least six types of applications that have different purpose

Web Applications:
In a Nutshell: These are programs that operate on web browsers, ranging from basic websites to
intricate, dynamic applications.

Key Features: Accessed through browsers, they typically involve a connection between a user's
device and a remote server. Think online shopping sites, social media, and tools like Google
Docs.

Mobile Applications:
In a Nutshell: These are apps designed to run on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

Key Features: Crafted for specific platforms (iOS, Android, etc.), they make use of device
features like GPS, camera, and touchscreens. Examples include gaming apps, social networks,
and utility apps.

Enterprise Applications:
In a Nutshell: Large-scale software solutions for businesses or organizations to streamline
various processes.

Key Features: Think systems like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Customer Relationship
Management (CRM). They're designed to integrate with different departments and processes
within an organization.

Embedded Systems:
In a Nutshell: Software embedded into hardware devices to perform specific functions or control
dedicated machinery.

Key Features: Commonly found in everyday devices like household appliances, medical tools,
and automotive systems. They often need to operate in real-time with specific performance and
reliability requirements.
Desktop Applications:
In a Nutshell: Programs that run locally on personal computers or workstations.

Key Features: They have direct access to the computer's resources, providing rich user interfaces.
Examples include word processors, graphic design software, and financial modeling tools.

Gaming Applications:
In a Nutshell: Interactive software designed primarily for entertainment.

Key Features: These often include intricate graphics, physics simulations, and interactive
gameplay. Gaming applications can be developed for various platforms, such as consoles, PCs,
and mobile devices.

Each type of application comes with its unique set of challenges, and developers employ
different methodologies, programming languages, and design patterns based on the specific
nature and goals of the application they are creating.

3. Four important attributes that all professional software should have

Essential Attributes:

Dependability:
Software must consistently fulfill its intended functions across diverse situations without
disruptions.

Users must have confidence that the software will execute accurately and deliver dependable
outcomes. Users place trust in the software's capability to execute reliably, ensuring accurate and
dependable outcomes. Dependability is fundamental for maintaining user confidence and
satisfaction, establishing the software as a trustworthy and robust solution.

Adaptability:
Software should be easily comprehensible, alterable, and extendable by developers other than its
original creators.

Given the evolving business landscape and technological advancements, software needs to be
flexible and straightforward to modify without introducing errors. In the face of evolving
business needs and technological advancements, adaptability is crucial. It ensures that software
can be flexibly adjusted and expanded without introducing errors, promoting a sustainable and
easily maintainable development process. An adaptable software solution remains resilient and
responsive to changing requirements over time

Optimization:
Software should use system resources efficiently to ensure optimal performance and
responsiveness.

Efficient software enhances the user experience, trims operational costs, and guarantees
scalability as the system expands. Optimization is critical for enhancing the user experience by
ensuring that the software runs smoothly, responds promptly, and operates with minimal
resource consumption. Efficient use of resources not only reduces operational costs but also
facilitates scalability, enabling the software to handle increased workloads and growth in the
system without compromising performance.

Safeguarding:
Software should shield data and resources from unauthorized access, ensuring confidentiality,
integrity, and accessibility.

Security is paramount to protect sensitive information and maintain user trust, particularly in
applications dealing with personal or confidential data. Safeguarding is of paramount importance
to instill trust in users, particularly in applications dealing with sensitive or confidential
information. It encompasses measures to prevent unauthorized access, maintain data integrity,
and guarantee that resources are available when needed. A robust safeguarding mechanism is
essential for maintaining the overall security posture of the software system.

Additional Attributes:

Expandability:
Expandability is the software's ability to manage an escalating workload or accommodate an
expanding user base without a substantial performance decline.

Imperative for applications anticipating future growth, ensuring they can handle more users or
increased data volumes effectively. Expandability is crucial for applications anticipating future
growth. It ensures that the software infrastructure can scale gracefully, handling higher user
volumes or increased data demands without compromising efficiency. This attribute is essential
for maintaining a seamless user experience and overall system performance as the software
ecosystem evolves.

User-Friendliness:
User-Friendliness is the simplicity with which users can interact with and navigate the software
to achieve their objectives.

Intuitive interfaces heighten user satisfaction and diminish the learning curve, making the
software more accessible to a broader audience. User-friendliness is paramount in ensuring that
users can easily understand and operate the software. Intuitive interfaces and straightforward
navigation contribute to heightened user satisfaction, reduced learning curves, and increased
accessibility. This attribute is instrumental in making the software more approachable and
enjoyable for a broad audience.

Versatility:
Versatility is the capability of software to operate seamlessly across different platforms or
environments without requiring adjustments.

Versatility is essential for software intended for use across various devices, operating systems, or
deployment scenarios. Versatility is crucial for software intended to be used across various
devices, operating systems, or deployment scenarios. It ensures that the software remains
adaptable and functional in diverse environments, broadening its reach and usability. A versatile
software solution can cater to a wider audience and accommodate varying technological
landscapes without sacrificing performance or functionality.

Adaptive Capacity:
Adaptive Capacity is the software's ability to adjust and evolve to meet evolving requirements
without necessitating a complete redesign.

Adaptive Capacity empowers the software to stay pertinent and valuable as business needs
transform or as new technologies emerge. Adaptive capacity is essential for software to remain
relevant and valuable over time. It allows the software to smoothly accommodate evolving
business needs, technological advancements, and user expectations. This attribute enables
incremental adjustments, updates, and enhancements, ensuring that the software stays responsive
and effective in a dynamic environment without the need for extensive reengineering.

4. Environmental Sustainability:
Challenges: Coping with the increased demand for software while minimizing its environmental
impact, especially in terms of energy consumption.

Implication: Software engineers need to prioritize energy-efficient design and implement

practices that reduce the carbon footprint of software, such as optimizing resource usage and
adopting eco-friendly data center practices.

Ethical and Social Implications:

Challenge: Addressing ethical concerns tied to the use of technology, such as privacy issues,
biased algorithms, and the societal impact of software.

Implication: Software engineers must integrate ethical considerations into their development
processes, focusing on issues like algorithmic fairness, user privacy, and the broader societal
effects of technology.

Data Privacy and Protection:

Challenge: Ensuring the security and privacy of user data, given the increasing amounts of
information processed by software applications.

Implication: In response to stricter regulations, software engineers must implement robust

security measures and adopt privacy-centric design principles to safeguard user data.

Rapid Technological Advancements:

Challenge: Keeping up with the fast pace of technological change, including new programming
languages, frameworks, and tools.

Implication: Software engineers need to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and

adaptability, staying updated with the latest technologies. Ensuring smooth transitions during
technology shifts and maintaining backward compatibility become essential.
Global Collaboration and Communication:
Challenge: Managing collaboration among software development teams distributed across
various locations and cultures.

Implication: Effective collaboration tools and practices are crucial for overcoming challenges
related to language barriers, cultural diversity, and different time zones.

Interconnected Systems and Interoperability:

Challenge: Ensuring seamless connectivity and interaction between different devices and
systems.

Implication: Standardization efforts, the development of robust Application Programming

Interfaces (APIs), and adherence to open standards become necessary for enabling
interoperability.

Regulatory Compliance:
Challenge: Adhering to complex and evolving regulatory requirements, particularly in highly
regulated industries like finance and healthcare.

Implication: Software engineers must stay informed about changing regulations, implement
necessary compliance measures, and design systems that can adapt to evolving legal frameworks.

Dealing with these challenges demands a comprehensive approach that goes beyond technical
skills, incorporating ethical considerations, and recognizing the broader societal and
environmental impacts of software.