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Discontinuities in Custom Software Evolution

publish date: 2026/06/22 22:19:53.413495 UTC

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Why are discontinuities more likely to occur in the evolution process of custom software compared to software products?

Custom software is always written in more obscure programming languages

Custom software cannot be modified once it has been delivered to the customer

Custom software is never tested before delivery, leading to immediate post-delivery rewrites

Requirements and design documents may not be passed from the developing company to the company responsible for support, and companies may merge, reorganize, or inherit software unexpectedly

Correct Answer

Requirements and design documents may not be passed from the developing company to the company responsible for support, and companies may merge, reorganize, or inherit software unexpectedly

Explanation

When responsibility for custom software shifts from one company to another, requirements and design documents may not transfer smoothly. Mergers, reorganizations, and inherited software from other companies all create discontinuities that complicate the evolution process.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition

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