Software is part of a system solution that can be encoded to execute on a computer as a set of instructions; it includes all the associated documentation necessary to understand, transform and use that solution.
Software is the collection of computer programs, procedures, rules, and associated documentation and data (IEEE)
Fact
Information considered to be objectively real because it was obtained through observation.
Hypothesis
"A tentative explanation that accounts for a set of facts and can be tested by further investigation; a theory"
Experiment
In general, an experiment is defined as an act or operation for the purpose of discovering something unknown or testing a principle, supposition, etc. ;
"In software engineering: a trial that is conducted in order to verify a hypothesis defined beforehand in a controlled setting in which the most critical factors can be controlled or monitored".
Law
A statement that predicts behavior under certain defined conditions, that is based on facts, reason, and observation, and that is accepted as true. There are no established laws in software engineering.
Model
A model is a simplified representation of a system or phenomenon with any hypotheses required to describe the system or explain the phenomenon, often mathematically.
An abstraction of reality emphasizing those aspects that are of interest to someone.
Paradigm
"A point of view in which some principles, approaches,concepts, and even theories, have been stated uniformly".
A set of assumptions about reality that, when applied to a particular situation, can be used as a guide for action. For example, Quality Improvement Paradigm (QIP).
QIP
The Quality Improvement Paradigm (QIP) is an iterative, goal-driven framework for continuous improvement of software development. The QIP is a closed-loop process which includes steps for planning, executing, and evaluating improvements to software development environments, as well as for incorporating experience gained from improvement efforts into future development.
