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Some type of software system is an integral part of almost any computer-
based information processing system. While many books describing some
aspects of software systems are available, few, if any, take an approach
sufficiently broad to include all the topics of importance to understanding
the design and operation of such systems. During the 1960s, software experts
in particular areas (for example, compilers, operating systems, and file
systems) developed much of the technology underlying these systems. In
the late 1960s and continuing into the 1970s, the emphasis has shifted
toward the development of large, integrated systems that include many
different functions.
This book is based on the belief that the advent of large software
systems demands a broad understanding by many people of the design and
operation of such systems. Specialists in any of the subareas impinging upon
software systems are today required to design their parts of a system to fit
well with other parts; this necessitates a clear understanding of the total
system. In order to supervise properly, technical managers of groups that
build and use software systems must have knowledge of all the parts and of
how they fit together. Users of software systems can profit from an increased
understanding of the functions available and of how they are provided.
The major goal of this volume is to provide a broad-sweep coverage of
software systems. It is tutorial, assuming a minimum of technical back-
ground on the part of the reader. It aims at completeness in coverage,
assuming that the numerous references will provide ample opportunity for
deeper study. It concentrates on principles applicable to many systems,
assuming that the reader will potentially be dealing with several different
systems. |
