Software engineering is a discipline that studies the use of engineering methods to build and maintain effective, practical, and high-quality software. It involves programming language, database, software development tools, system platform, standards, design patterns and other aspects.

The goal of it is to develop software products with applicability, effectiveness, modifiability, reliability, understandability, maintainability, reusability, portability, traceability, interoperability, and user satisfaction at a given cost and schedule. Pursuing these goals helps improve software product quality and development efficiency, and reduces maintenance difficulties.