CASE Tools

CASE Tools

CASE tools are computer-aided system engineering, and its the use of powerful software tools to help business analysts to develop and maintain information systems. Use of Case tools makes it easy to build the information system hence improving the quality of the software and at the same time reduce the errors which may be in the software.

CASE tools run from the design of the software and generation of program code

SDLC Software Development life cycle has several stages. This paper will discuss Case tools that are used in the design and implementation phase of SDLC.

CASE tools used in Design and Implementation stage of SDLC are called lower Case Case tools

Design

The purpose of design is to create a physical model as per the documented requirements from the users.

It involves designing of user inputs and outputs and external requirements to the system.

Draw.io

Draw.io is essential in drawing of many diagrams that are required during the design stage. Draw.io is online and offline. Some of the diagrams that can be drawn include class diagrams, use cases, message sequence diagrams, among others.

Advantage

• Allows review and comment from stakeholder since its in the cloud
• The diagrams are securely stored in the cloud hence may not be stolen or modified by an unauthorized party. It also allows importation and exporting of diagrams.
• Reduced time spent on projects
• High-quality software since the design completed.

Disadvantage

• Internet connection may be slow in some areas for offline
• Much training is required to draw the system

Lucid Charts

Lucid Chart is essential in drawing many diagrams that are required during the design stage. Draw.io is online and offline. Some of the diagrams that can be drawn include class diagrams, use cases, message sequence diagrams, among others.

Advantage

• Allows review and comment from stakeholder since its in the cloud
• The diagrams are securely stored in the cloud hence may not be stolen or modified by an unauthorized party. It also allows importation and exporting of diagrams.
• Reduced time spent on projects
• High-quality software since the design completed.
• Allow Collaboration

Disadvantage

• Internet connection may be slow in some areas for offline
• Expensive
• Much training is required to draw the system

Implementation

This involves the construction of the system. Programs are written, tested, documented, and it is installed. The software is also assessed to ensure that it is reliable and does I show what was needed. At the end of this operation, the system should be ready.

Cscope

Cscope is a CASE tool for implementation.

Cscope can work on C, Java, or C++.

It allows the developer to browse codes that have been written and select the suitable one.

Cscope has Graphical User Interface front ends and also support database integration to the system. Cscope runs favorably on Linux operating system.

Advantages

• Cheap since its open-source
• Reduced time spent on projects
• High-quality software since code has been written, and there are test simulations.

Disadvantages

• It may not run well in other operating systems since its made for Linux operating system.
• Much training is required to work with this use CASE tool
• Requires one to be familiar with programming language syntax and implementation

Reference

Gooch, J. (1997). Managing for demonstrably effective IT projects, Information Management & Computer Security.

Kezner, H. (1995). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling, 5th edition, International Thomson Publishing Inc.

Tilley, B.(2017).System Analysis and Design, Boston, USA