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Naming Confusion in Maintenance Terminology

publish date: 2026/06/24 21:13:56.558625 UTC

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Why does the text avoid using the terms 'corrective,' 'adaptive,' and 'perfective' maintenance?

Because these terms are trademarked and cannot legally be used in textbooks

Because different people use these terms inconsistently; for example, 'perfective maintenance' is sometimes used for new requirements and sometimes for structural improvement

Because these terms only apply to hardware maintenance, never software

Because these terms were banned by international software engineering standards bodies

Correct Answer

Because different people use these terms inconsistently; for example, 'perfective maintenance' is sometimes used for new requirements and sometimes for structural improvement

Explanation

While 'corrective maintenance' is universally used for fault repair, terms like 'adaptive maintenance' and 'perfective maintenance' are used inconsistently by different people - sometimes referring to new requirements, sometimes to environmental adaptation, and sometimes to structural improvement. This naming uncertainty is why some texts avoid these terms.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Software Maintenance - Types and Cost Distribution