(a) Define the term Software Maintenance. (b) List four types of Software Maintenance. (c) State our importance of software maintenance.

Answer Details

This question tests understanding of software maintenance and its types.

(a) Software maintenance. Software maintenance is the process of modifying and updating a software product after it has been delivered and put into use, in order to correct faults, improve performance, or adapt it to a changed environment.

(b) Four types of software maintenance.

• Corrective maintenance: fixing errors or bugs discovered while the software is in use.
• Adaptive maintenance: changing the software so it keeps working when the environment changes (new hardware, new operating system).
• Perfective maintenance: improving performance or adding new features requested by users.
• Preventive maintenance: making changes to prevent future problems and make the software easier to maintain.

(c) Four importances of software maintenance.

• It corrects errors and keeps the software working reliably.
• It keeps the software up to date with new hardware, operating systems and user needs.
• It improves performance, security and usability.
• It extends the useful life of the software and protects the investment made in it.

Examination reminder: match the type to its purpose - "fixing bugs" is corrective, "coping with a new environment" is adaptive, "adding improvements" is perfective, and "preventing future faults" is preventive.