volume_mute
Lifetime of Large Software Systems
publish date: 2026/06/22 22:19:47.375836 UTC
volume_mute
True or False: Large infrastructure and military software systems, such as air traffic control systems, may remain in operational use for 30 years or more.
Correct Answer
True
Explanation
Large software systems, especially military or infrastructure systems, can have very long lifetimes, sometimes 30 years or more. This long lifetime is one reason why software evolution is such an important part of software engineering.
Reference
Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition