The software tools that we use during the different phases of the software methodologies are called Computer Aided Software Engineering tools. There are three types of CASE tools.

1. Upper CASE.
2. Lower CASE.
3. Cross life cycle CASE.

The tools used before the development phase are called upper CASE. Microsoft (MS) word, Access, Project, Visio, SQL server, Front Page, Interdev and Visual Basic 6.0 all are examples. Similarly Rational Rose, Auto CAD, Oracle Designer and developer are also the examples of upper CASE tools. MS word is used documentation of requirements, coding. MS Access is used for designing forms and develop database. MS project is used to draw charts for schedule. MS Visio is a tool used for modeling of the design phase. MS SQL server and Oracle designer are used during design phase. MS Front page, InterDev, VB 6.0 and Oracle developer are used to design the interfaces. Rational Rose is used at design phase for modeling. Auto CAD is a diagramming tool.

The tools used during the implementation and maintenance phases are called lower CASE. MS Access, MS Visual Basic 6.0, C, C++, JAVA, MS FrontPage, MS Interdev, Rational Rose and Oracle developer are examples. These all tools are used for coding purposes. JAVA can generate its documentation regarding programming. Rational Rose generates the code from model in C++ and JAVA.

The tools that can be used through out the system development life cycles (SDLCs) are called cross life cycle CASE tools. MS word, Access, Visual Interdev, Visual Basic, Front page and Rational Rose are examples.

Advantages Using CASE Tools

There are so many advantages using CASE tools such as:

• Dramatic time saving.
• Cost saving.
• Resource saving.
• Increase productivity.
• Increase quality.

• Prototype is used to verify and gather more requirements in contrast to paper-based specification.

• Automate coding by the software such as Rational Rose, MS Front Page and MS InterDev.

• Automate documentation.
• Automate diagramming.
• More complete software development.

Disadvantages Using CASE Tools

• Increased effort during analysis and design phases.

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