Web Engineering Process

Choosing a process model is based on the attributes of the software to be developed.
If immediacy and continuous evolution are the primary attributes of WebApp, a web engineering team might choose an agile process model. If a WebApp is to be developed over a longer time period, an incremental process model might be chosen.

Defining a Framework :
Any one of the agile process models can be applied successfully as a WebE process. Before we define a process framework for WebE, three things must be kept in mind :
- WebApps are often delivered incrementally.
- Changes will occur frequently.
- Timelines are short.

WebE Process Framework :
- Customer Communication : Within the WebE process, customer communication is characterized by :
* Business analysis : It defines the business/organizational context for the WebApp
* Formulation : It is a requirements gathering activity involving all stakeholders. The intent is to describe the problem that the WebApp is to solve.
- Planning : The “plan” consists of a task definition and a timeline schedule for the time period (usually measured in weeks) projected for the development of the WebApp increment.
- Modeling :
Analysis model — establishes a basis for design.
* Content Analysis
* Interaction Analysis
* Functional Analysis
* Configuration Analysis
Design model — represents the key WebApp elements.
* Content design
* Aesthetic design
* Architectural design
* Interface design
* Navigation design
* Component design
- Construction : WebE tools and technology are applied to construct the WebApp that has been modeled.
- Deployment : The WebApp is configured for its operational environment, delivered to end-users, and then an evaluation period commences.

WebApp Engineering Layers

The development of Web based systems and applications incorporate specialized process models, software engineering methods adapted to the characteristics of WebApp development, and a set of important enabling technologies. Process, methods, and technologies provide a layered approach to WebE that is conceptually identical to the software engineering layers :
- Process
WebE process models embrace the agile development philosophy that defines the following activities
* Embrace change.
* Encourages the creativity and independence of development staff and strong interaction with WebApp stakeholders.
* Builds systems using small development team
* Emphasizes evolutionary or incremental development using short development cycles.

- Methods
The WebE methods landscape encompasses a set of technical tasks that enable a Web engineer to understand, characterize, and then build a high-quality WebApp.

* Communication methods : It defines the approach used to facilitate communication between Web engineers and all other Web stakeholders.
* Requirements analysis methods : These methods provide a basis for understanding the content to be delivered by WebApp, the function to be provided for the end user, and modes of interaction that each class of user will require.
* Design methods : It encompasses a series of design techniques that address WebApp content, application and information architecture, interface design, and navigation structure.
* Testing methods : It incorporates formal technical reviews of both the content and design model and a wide array of testing techniques.

- Tools and Technology
These technologies encompasses a wide array of content description and modeling languages, browsers, multimedia tools, site authoring tools, database connectivity
tools, servers and server utilities, and site management and analysis tools.