Insights on Software Engineering Evolution

Dec 7, 2024

Lecture on Software Engineering History and Insights by Grady Booch

Introduction

  • Software engineering history involves rising levels of abstraction.
  • Current decisions involve cloud services, messaging systems, and platforms.
  • Economic decisions now integral to software decisions.
  • Role of architects evolving toward systemic rather than just software problems.

About Grady Booch

  • Pioneer in software engineering.
  • Built first computer at age 12, co-author of UML.
  • Originated object-oriented analysis and design.
  • IBM and ACM fellow, author of six books and over 100 technical papers.

Key Topics Covered

  • Golden Ages of Software Engineering:
    • First golden age with algorithmic languages like Fortran, COBOL.
    • Second golden age involved distributed systems and object-oriented methods.
  • Legacy Systems:
    • All code becomes legacy; financial sectors run old code from 1960s.
    • Challenges with updating old systems, e.g., IRS using IBM 360 assembly language.

Software Development Evolution

  • Impact of Distributed Systems:
    • Shift from monoliths to distributed systems in defense sector.
    • Rise of mini and microcomputers, ARPANET as a precursor to the Internet.
  • Role of Architecture:
    • Early systems were monolithic, focused on algorithms.
    • Evolution to object-oriented programming (OOP) and methodologies like the Booch method.
    • Booch method emphasized classes, objects, and a shift from algorithm-focused design.

UML Creation and Use

  • Development of UML:
    • Booch, Rumbaugh, and Jacobson combined methods to form UML.
    • UML designed to help visualize, specify, and document systems.
    • Initial intent not as a programming language, but evolved to include code generation.
    • UML 1.0 had significant industry penetration but later perceived as too complex.

Modern Software Architecture

  • Changes in Software Architecture:
    • Rise of frameworks and platforms simplify architectural decisions.
    • Shift towards systemic concerns in architecture.

Large Language Models and AI

  • Views on AI and LLMs:
    • LLMs are revolutionary but have limitations, e.g., lack of reasoning.
    • AI development compared to rise of distributed systems, GPUs, etc.
    • Emphasis on combining LLMs with other architectures for more robust AI systems.

Conclusion and Advice

  • Advice for New Software Engineers:
    • Learn broadly and deeply, explore new domains.
    • Have fun and take advantage of computational resources.
  • Current Projects:
    • Writing books on software architecture and computing's impact on humanity.

Additional Notes

  • Grady Booch declined a position as Chief Architect at Microsoft due to company culture issues.
  • Continued focus on studying human brain architecture to inform AI development.

Note: This lecture provides comprehensive insights into the history and future of software engineering, highlighting the evolution of technology, methodologies, and the role of architects in an increasingly complex landscape.

Full transcript