Understanding software
On this page 8 topics
Overview
Topics
- What software is
- desktop, mobile, web, backend, embedded
- programs vs services
- software lifecycle
Learn first
78 min of reading · 1 h of practice (estimate)
Learning outcomes
- Classify a given piece of software as desktop, mobile, web frontend, backend, or embedded.
- Explain the difference between a program that runs and exits and a service that runs continuously.
- Describe the stages of the software lifecycle (requirements, design, build, test, release, operate, retire).
Lessons
Lab and exercises
Lab
BEG-002-LAB1 · Software around you
Outcomes: 1, 2 · Time: ~1 h List ten pieces of software you used today. Classify each as desktop, mobile, web frontend, backend, or embedded. Mark which ones depend on a backend service. Acceptance: at least eight classified correctly, and the backend-dependent ones marked.
Exercises
| ID | Outcome | Task |
|---|---|---|
| BEG-002-EX01 | 1 | Classify: a calculator app on a PC; a ride-hailing app; the firmware in a microwave; a news website; the server that stores orders. |
| BEG-002-EX02 | 1 | Name one piece of software on your phone and say what hardware it uses (camera, GPS, screen). |
| BEG-002-EX03 | 2 | Name one program that exits when done and one service that keeps running. |
| BEG-002-EX04 | 2 | Explain in two sentences why a backend "never finishes". |
| BEG-002-EX05 | 3 | Put in order: Test, Requirements, Release, Build, Design, Operate, Retire. |
| BEG-002-EX06 | 3 | A user reports a bug after release. Which stage found it and which stage starts again? |
Show solutions
- EX01 Desktop; mobile (with a backend); embedded; web frontend; backend.
- EX02 Any valid answer, for example a map app using GPS.
- EX03 For example a calculator closing; a web server running continuously.
- EX04 It waits for requests from users all day, so it must keep running to answer them.
- EX05 Requirements, Design, Build, Test, Release, Operate, Retire.
- EX06 Operate found it; the cycle returns to Requirements/Build to fix it.
Quiz
Outcomes: O1 classify software · O2 program vs service · O3 lifecycle.
A self-check for you: nothing is graded, saved or sent anywhere. Choose an answer, then check it. You can try again as often as you like.
Practical part
Classification exercise (BEG-002-EX01 style, 8 items, 6 correct to pass) plus a one-paragraph description of what happens behind one app you use.
Common mistakes
Believing a website and its backend are the same thing; thinking software is "done" once released.
Assessment
Classification exercise and a one-paragraph description of what happens behind one app you use.
Career relevance
Frames why backend engineering exists; the lifecycle returns in JNR-053 and SRC-011.