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Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) Tools
Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) Tools
Computer aided software engineering (CASE) is the implementation of computer facilitated tools and methods
in software development. CASE is used to ensure a high-quality and defect-free software. CASE ensures a check-
pointed and disciplined approach and helps designers, developers, testers, managers and others to see the project
milestones during development.
CASE can also help as a warehouse for documents related to projects, like business plans, requirements and
design specifications. One of the major advantages of using CASE is the delivery of the final product, which is
more likely to meet real-world requirements as it ensures that customers remain part of the process.
CASE illustrates a wide set of labor-saving tools that are used in software development. It generates a framework
for organizing projects and to be helpful in enhancing productivity. There was more interest in the concept of
CASE tools years ago, but less so today, as the tools have morphed into different functions, often in reaction to
software developer needs. The concept of CASE also received a heavy dose of criticism after its release.
CASE Tools:
The essential idea of CASE tools is that in-built programs can help to analyze developing systems in order to
enhance quality and provide better outcomes. Throughout the 1990, CASE tool became part of the software
lexicon, and big companies like IBM were using these kinds of tools to help create software.
Various tools are incorporated in CASE and are called CASE tools, which are used to support different stages and
milestones in a software development life cycle.
3. Analysis Tools:
It focuses on inconsistent, incorrect specifications involved in the diagram and data flow. It helps in
collecting requirements, automatically check for any irregularity, imprecision in the diagrams, data
redundancies or erroneous omissions.
For example,
(i) Accept 360, Accompa, CaseComplete for requirement analysis.
(ii) Visible Analyst for total analysis.
4. Central Repository:
It provides the single point of storage for data diagrams, reports and documents related to project
management.
5. Documentation Generators:
It helps in generating user and technical documentation as per standards. It creates documents for
technical users and end users.
For example, Doxygen, DrExplain, Adobe RoboHelp for documentation.
6. Code Generators:
It aids in the auto generation of code, including definitions, with the help of the designs, documents and
diagrams.
Advantages of the CASE approach:
As special emphasis is placed on redesign as well as testing, the servicing cost of a product over its
expected lifetime is considerably reduced.
The overall quality of the product is improved as an organized approach is undertaken during the
process of development.
Chances to meet real-world requirements are more likely and easier with a computer-aided software
engineering approach.
CASE indirectly provides an organization with a competitive advantage by helping ensure the
development of high-quality products.