CASE TOOLS

CASE was the first microcomputer-based system to use hyperlinks to cross-reference text
strings. It was an early forerunner of today's web page link. The term CASE was coined by
software company, Nastec Corporation of Southfield, Michigan in 1982.

Reasons for using CASE Tools

• to extend productivity
• to assist turn out higher quality code at a lower price

CASE ENVIRONMENT
• CASE environment is a collection of CASE tools and other components together with an
integration approach that supports most or all the interactions that occur among the
environment components, and between the users of the environment and the environment
itself.

Classifications of CASE Tools

• Upper CASE Tools - (front end CASE) provides support for the early stages in the systems
development life cycle such as requirements analysis and design.

• Lower CASE Tools - (back-end CASE) provides support for the later stages in the life cycle
such as code generation and testing

• Integrated CASE Tools - Support both the early and late stages.
Types of CASE Tools

1. Diagramming Tools

It helps in diagrammatic and graphical representations of the data and system processes.

2. Computer Display and Report Generators

It helps in understanding the data requirements and the relationships involved. 

3. Analysis Tools
It focuses on inconsistent, incorrect specifications involved in the diagram and data flow.
4. Central Repository
It provides the single point of storage for data diagrams, reports and documents related to
project management. 
5. Documentation Generators
It helps in generating user and technical documentation as per standards. It creates
documents for technical users and end users. 
6. Code Generators
It aids in the auto generation of code, including definitions, with the help of the designs,
documents, and diagrams. 

Automated Diagram Support

• Checks for syntactic correctness

 • Data dictionary support

• Checks for consistency and completeness

• Navigation to linked diagrams

• Layering

• Requirements traceability

• Automatic report generation

• System simulation

• Performance analysis

CASE Tools and its Scope

 Requirement Analysis Tool

 Structure Analysis Tool
 Software Design Tool
 Code Generation Tool
 Test Case Generation Tool
 Document Production Tool
 Reverse Engineering Tool

CASE Tools and its Scope

• Life Cycle

• Object-oriented Approach

• Rapid Applications Development (RAD)

• Prototyping

• Joint Applications Development (JAD)

Advantages of CASE Approach

• the servicing cost of a product over its expected lifetime is considerably reduced. 

• The overall quality of the product is improved

• Chances to meet real-world requirements are more likely and easier

• helping ensure the development of high-quality products

Disadvantages of CASE Approach

• Cost: Using case tool is a very costly.

 • Learning Curve: programmers’ productivity may fall in the initial phase of implementation

• Tool Mix: urge cost advantage CASE integration and data integration across all platforms

CASE Tools in the future

Horizontal and Vertical Division of AO-Groups

Systems are organized hierarchically. Active objects (AO) are categorized into several
groups. For each group, there is a delegate who is a local server of that group. Each AO-
group is responsible for the same type of tasks within the same group.

Knowledge Representation and Processing

Mixed knowledge representation is good for reducing the size of the network, and
thus speeding up the learning process. In neural network, an output can always be derived
from any input, even if the input is incomplete. Self-learning is a natural and standard
process in a neural network.

Visual Integration of CASE Tools

CASE shell is not simple and intuitive enough for CASE users.

Workflow Model

Software project development is a team-based activity. A tool should be able to

model the work process, and the collaboration and coordination among team members.

Java Technologies

JAVA is endorsed by the OMG, an organization that includes major computer

manufacturers such as Digital, Sun, HP, IBM as well as software providers such as
Microsoft, Sunsoft, and Object Design.