Seven basic principles of software engineering

This paper attempts to distill the large number of individ-ual aphorisms on good software engineering into a small set of basic principles. Seven principles have been deter-mined which form a reasonably independent and com-plete set. These are: ( 1) manage using a phased life-cycle plan; (2) perform continuous validation; (3) maintain disciplined product control; (4) use modern pro-gramming practices; (5) maintain clear accountability for results: (6) use better and fewer people; and (7) main-tain a commitment o improve the process. The overall ra-tionale behind this set of principles is discussed, followed by a more detailed discussion of each of the principles