Do we really have to change the way we write software? A change is usually needed if you are being plagued with errors that affect the customer.. Fortunately, the required change can be as gradual as needed. The Programmable Software Development Environment can prepare source code that is totally compatible with previously developed software and in most cases, it can be used to test previously developed software.
Will I continue to write programs in native languages such as C++, PHP, and PL/SQL? Yes, but not as often. The vast majority of the native code will be contained in the kits. These kits can be used to form a baseline with a long life without change and will greatly simplify the development and maintenance tasks.
What about GUI’s? The PSDE was never directly intended for the design of GUI’s. There are many good visual based tools to accomplishing this task. However, the PSDE can be used for all of the underlying functions the GUI uses. Using these standards can also drive the standardization of the GUI itself. The PSDE is then used to efficiently develop and test the data processing routines.
Can we write programs for other source languages? Yes! Software parts can be made to produce any source language that is defined by an ASCII text file. Furthermore, these parts and their libraries can be designed such no change in the product definition files will be required to change the output source language or operating system. For example, output can be generated as C++ and .Net, PL/SQL and Microsoft stored procedures, PHP and .ASPX, etc, SQL cursor dialects for various RDBMS, etc.
How will it affect our customers? The use of standard kits will greatly improve the quality and reliability of the product. Kits for the detection of, minimizing the damage from and reporting execution failures have been designed which greatly reduce the time required to correct a problem discovered at the customer site.
What about different development environments? The Programmable Software Development Environment can be used with any common IDE such as Microsoft Visual Studio.Net. The Monte-Carlo test capability is usable in any development environment in which an executable can be created (compiled, linked, etc) from the command line.
What about ISO9001? The PSDE can be of great benefit to an ISO9001 quality program:
- Involving QA and/or IV&V in the development of the kits will give them a very proactive role in the quality of the product.
- The user organization has complete control of all aspects of the engineering process. There is no needed for a “partnership” with dbInternals or any other organization.