Software Engineering Glossary

"G" Glossary Content



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Other topics within the glossary:

garbage collection
In computer resource management, a synonym for memory compaction (1).
General MIDI
A MIDI specification controlled by the MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA). The specification provides guidelines for authors of MIDI files so that files sound the same on a variety of synthesizers.
generality
The degree to which a system or component performs a broad range of functions. See also: reusability.
generated address
An address that has been calculated during the execution of a computer program. Syn: synthetic address. See also: absolute address; effective address; relative address; indirect address.
generic program unit
A software module that is defined in a general manner and that requires substitution of specific data, instructions, or both, in order to be used in a computer program. See also: instantiation.
glass box
  1. A system or component whose internal contents or implementation are known. Syn: white box. Contrast with: black box.
  2. Pertaining to an approach that treats a system or component as in (1).
glass-box testing
See: structural testing.
global compaction
In microprogramming, compaction in which microoperations may be moved beyond the boundaries of the single-entry, single-exit sequential blocks in which they occur. Contrast with: local oompaction.
global data
Data that can be accessed by two or more non-nested modules of computer program without being explicitly passed as parameters between the modules. Syn: common data. Contrast with: local data
global variable
A variable that can be accessed by two or more non-nested modules of a computer program without being explicitly passed as a parameter between the modules. Contrast with: local variable.
go to
A computer program statement that causes a jump. Contrast with: call; case; if-then-else. See also: branch.
goals
A summary of the key practices of a key process area that can be used to determine whether an organization or project has effectively implemented the key process area. The goals signify the scope, boundaries, and intent of each key process area.
graph
  1. A diagram that represents the variation of a variable in comparison with that of one or more other variables; for example, a graph showing a bathtub curve.
  2. A diagram or other representation consisting of a finite set of nodes and internode connections called edges or arcs. See also: block diagram; box diagram; bubble chart; directed graph; flowchart; input-process-output chart; structure chart.
Grosch's law
A guideline formulated by H. R. J. Grosch, stating that the computing power of a computer increases proportionally to the square of the cost of the computer. See also: computer performance evaluation.
group
  1. The collection of departments, managers, and individuals who have responsibility for a set of tasks or activities. A group could vary from a single individual assigned part time, to several part-time individuals assigned from different departments, to several individuals dedicated full time.
  2. In Program Manager, a collection of applications and files associated with applications. Grouping your applications makes them easier to find when you want to start them.
group icon
The icon that represents a group in Program Manager when the group window is minimized. To open a group and view its contents, you choose the group icon.
group window
A window that displays the items in a group within Program Manager. These items can be applications, files associated with applications, or a combination of both.