Introduction to Software Engineering Quiz Answers – 100% Correct Review

In this blog post, you’ll find the complete graded quiz answers for IBM’s Introduction to Software Engineering course on Coursera. We cover all quizzes from Module 1 to Module 6, providing accurate and up-to-date solutions. Whether you’re preparing for your assessments or reviewing key concepts, this guide will help you succeed in the course while strengthening your understanding of essential software engineering principles.

Graded Quiz: The Software Development Lifecycle Quiz Answers

Question 1)
Which of the following is the best description of software engineering?

• Any activity related to software development.
• The application of scientific principles to the organization of a software system.
• The set of all activities related to software development.
• The application of scientific principles to the design and creation of software.

Explanation: This describes the essence of software engineering, focusing on structured design and creation.

Question 2)
Which of the following best describes a key advantage for a business to follow the SDLC?

• It allows for creativity because of its ad-hoc approach to software development.
• It gives development teams a process to follow to improve efficiency and reduce risks.
• It defines all the roles of the development team.
• It helps technical writers develop accurate documentation.

Explanation: The SDLC provides a framework for streamlining development and minimizing risks.

Question 3)
Which of the following best describes an activity that happens in the maintenance phase of the SDLC?

• The coding process begins.
• Code is thoroughly tested.
• Fixing minor user interface issues.
• The system requirements specification is written.

Explanation: Maintenance involves refining and fixing issues post-deployment.

Question 4)
Which of the following best describes a beta release?

• It is the first functioning version of a system released to a select group of stakeholders.
• It is the most stable release.
• It is intended for all users.
• It meets all functional requirements.

Explanation: A beta release is an early version of software given to a limited audience for testing.

Question 5)
Which statement best describes the Software Requirements Specification (SRS)?

• It can be combined with the System Requirements Specification (SysRS) to form the User Requirements Specification (URS).
• It is combined with the User Requirements Specification (URS) to form the System Requirements Specification (SysRS).
• It primarily contains use cases.
• It contains functional, external interface, and non-functional requirements.

Explanation: The SRS outlines detailed requirements for the system, including functional and non-functional aspects.

Question 6)
Which of the following is an iterative approach to the software development lifecycle (SDLC)?

• Agile
• Verification
• Waterfall
• V-shape

Explanation: Agile is an iterative methodology, focusing on continuous development and feedback.

Question 7)
Which of the following best describes functional testing?

• It is concerned with confirming that a recent change to the application is not adversely affecting existing functionality.
• It tests application attributes like performance and security.
• Its goal is to make sure the application is usable and accessible.
• It tests application attributes like scalability and availability.

Explanation: Functional testing checks if the software meets the specified functional requirements.

Question 8)
Which best describes black-box testing?

• It is used to verify internal structure, design, and coding.
• It is equivalent to regression testing.
• It is equivalent to non-functional testing.
• It is used to test inputs and outputs.

Explanation: Black-box testing focuses on checking the output based on the given input, without knowing the internal code.

Question 9)
Which role is primarily responsible for designing the software’s interface?

• Product owner
• Software architect
• UX designer
• Stakeholder

Explanation: The UX designer focuses on the design of the user interface and user experience.

Question 10)
Which of the following is a type of documentation that describes the expected features and functionality of the software system?

• Design documentation
• User documentation
• Requirements
• Technical documentation

Explanation: Requirements documentation specifies the features and functionality that the system should deliver.

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Graded Quiz: Introduction to Software Development Quiz Answers

Question 1)
Which technology is a front-end developer most likely to work with?

• Databases
• Java
• SQL
• HTML

Explanation: Front-end developers primarily work with technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for user interface design.

Question 2)
Which of the following technologies can you use to ensure uniformity in look, feel, style, colors, font, and layouts on a website?

• CSS
• XML
• JavaScript
• HTML

Explanation: CSS ensures uniformity in style, layout, and appearance across a website.

Question 3)
Which of the following are used in back-end development?

• SQL
• CSS
• LESS
• HTML

Explanation: SQL is commonly used for back-end development to manage databases and handle data.

Question 4)
Which of the following technologies provide a way for cloud apps to access resources from the back-end?

• IDEs
• APIs
• Styles
• Routes

Explanation: APIs provide a way for cloud apps to communicate with back-end services and resources.

Question 5)
Which of the following pair programming styles is a good way for a junior software engineer to learn from a more experienced colleague?

• Ping-pong style
• Driver style
• Navigator style
• Strong style

Explanation: In strong style pair programming, the junior developer (driver) writes code while the senior (navigator) guides, helping the junior learn effectively.

Question 6)
Which of the following is a development framework?

• Git
• JavaScript
• Vue.js
• Ruby

Explanation: Vue.js is a JavaScript framework used for building user interfaces and single-page applications.

Question 7)
Which of the following statements about app development frameworks is correct?

• Frameworks keep track of what changes were made when and by whom and resolve any conflicts between changes.
• Frameworks provide a way to build and deploy applications.
• Frameworks can be changed during any phase of development.
• Frameworks provide standard programs and subroutines that you can use in your own code.

Explanation: Frameworks offer structured environments and tools for building and deploying apps.

Question 8)
Which process automatically builds and tests your code?

• Continuous integration
• Continuous delivery
• Continuous development
• Continuous investigation

Explanation: Continuous integration involves automatically building and testing code after each commit to detect issues early.

Question 9)
Which of the following is a build tool?

• Homebrew
• Babel
• Pip
• npm

Explanation: Babel is a build tool used to transpile JavaScript code, making it compatible with various browsers.

Question 10)
Which of the following is an example of a software stack?

• Chocolatey
• Ruby on Rails
• Maven
• Conda

Explanation: Ruby on Rails is a software stack that includes tools for building web applications, encompassing both front-end and back-end components.

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Graded Quiz: Basics of Programming Quiz Answers

Question 1)
Which of the following is the generic term for referencing a program component such as a stored value, method, interface, or class by a custom-named label?

• Variable
• Container
• Constant
• Identifier

Explanation: An identifier is a custom-named label used to reference program components like variables, methods, and classes.

Question 2)
Which one of the following applies to interpreted programming languages?

• Available to users who have the same operating system or a device that understands the same language
• More difficult to write in, but creates faster applications
• A smaller program, normally scripted code, that must be created and repeated every time the code is run
• Better for programs installed on the computer or device

Explanation: Interpreted languages translate code at runtime, requiring the interpreter each time the code is executed.

Question 3)
Which one of the following applies to a compiled programming language compared to an interpreted language?

• Creates a smaller program, normally using scripted code
• Better for websites and smaller processes that need to be repeated
• Takes longer to write the code, but it runs faster
• Easier to learn and use, but requires an interpreter that can translate the source code into machine code

Explanation: Compiled languages convert code into machine code before execution, resulting in faster performance compared to interpreted languages.

Question 4)
Which one of the following is an example of a low-level programming language?

• SQL
• Python
• Pascal
• ARM

Explanation: ARM is a low-level programming language used for writing instructions for processors.

Question 5)
Which of the following is a type of programming logic with only two values, “true” or “false”, and is used in both branching and looping programming logic?

• Branching statements
• “if-then-else” statement
• Boolean expression
• “And-do-while” loop

Explanation: Boolean expressions evaluate to either “true” or “false” and are used in decision-making and looping.

Question 6)
What are the three key standpoints for organizing code?

• Maintainability, accessibility, and scalability
• Readability, scalability, and accessibility
• Readability, maintainability, and scalability
• Readability, maintainability, and accessibility

Explanation: These are the key principles for organizing code to ensure it can be easily understood, maintained, and scaled.

Question 7)
Which of the following is also often referred to as a scripting language?

• An assembly programming language
• An interpreted programming language
• A compiled programming language
• A query language

Explanation: Scripting languages are typically interpreted, meaning they are executed line-by-line at runtime.

Question 8)
Which of the following is a type of looping programming logic?

• if
• goto
• while
• switch

Explanation: “while” is a type of looping logic that repeats a block of code while a condition is true.

Question 9)
Which of the following is the best type of identifier for a data item whose value does not change?

• Array
• Constant
• Variable
• Vector

Explanation: A constant is a data item whose value does not change throughout the program’s execution.

Question 10)
Which of the following is a software methodology that focuses on objects rather than functions?

• Modular programming
• Extreme programming
• OOP
• SDLC

Explanation: Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) focuses on objects and encapsulates data and functions within those objects.

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Graded Quiz: Software Architecture, Design, and Deployment Topologies Quiz Answers

Question 1)
Which of the following best describes software architecture?

• It describes how the application should be coded.
• It represents the earliest design decisions.
• It captures implementation details.
• The choice of technology stack drives the software architecture.

Explanation: Software architecture focuses on the high-level structure and design decisions made early in the project.

Question 2)
Which of the following are artifacts that result from designing the software architecture?

• Software requirements specification (SRS)
• UML diagrams
• Administrator user guide
• Test cases

Explanation: UML diagrams are artifacts that help visualize the structure and design of software architecture.

Question 3)
Components in a well-structured design should be _______.

• loosely constrained
• tightly cohesive
• tightly coupled
• loosely cohesive

Explanation: Components should be tightly cohesive, meaning each component should have a focused and well-defined purpose.

Question 4)
Which of the following is an advantage of using UML diagrams when designing software architecture?

• They all use JavaScript.
• They explain which methods should be included when coding an object.
• They serve to bring new team members up to speed quickly.
• They describe which parameters should be passed when instantiating an object.

Explanation: UML diagrams help new team members understand the system’s architecture and design quickly.

Question 5)
Which of the following best describes encapsulation?

• Bundling data and methods to hide an internal state, so a component’s specific implementation is not exposed.
• Designing a component so it operates in different environments.
• A component should be easily replaced with another component.
• A component’s design so it doesn’t have dependencies on other components.

Explanation: Encapsulation involves hiding the internal details of an object and exposing only necessary functionalities.

Question 6)
Which of the following best describes a service?

• A focus on the decomposition of a design into logical components.
• It is a type of object.
• A service defines, composes, and implements loosely coupled independent components so they work together to create an application.
• A unit of functionality that focuses on a solution to a business need, is deployed independently, and is reused by multiple systems.

Explanation: A service provides reusable functionality that can be independently deployed and used across different systems.

Question 7)
Which statement is true regarding a 2-tier architecture?

• A 2-tier architecture consists of a decentralized network of nodes that are both clients and servers.
• The interface resides on client machines and makes requests to a server for data or services.
• The two different tiers are the application tier and the data tier.
• A 2-tier architecture consists of producers and consumers of events.

Explanation: In a 2-tier architecture, the client makes requests to a centralized server for data or services.

Question 8)
Which of the following architecture patterns are mutually exclusive?

• Three-tier and microservices
• Microservices and event-driven
• Peer-to-peer and event-driven
• Peer-to-peer and two-tier

Explanation: Peer-to-peer and two-tier architectures are mutually exclusive because they represent different structural approaches.

Question 9)
Which of the following environments is intended for developers to use while they are actively coding the application?

• Development
• QA
• Production
• Staging

Explanation: The development environment is used by developers for actively writing and testing code.

Question 10)
Which of the following is a security device that monitors traffic between an internal and an external network?

• Router
• Firewall
• Load balancer
• Web server

Explanation: A firewall monitors and filters traffic between an internal network and external networks for security purposes.

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Graded Quiz: Job Opportunities and Skillsets in Software Engineering Quiz Answers

Question 1)
Which of the following is the best description of a data integration layer?

• It applies real-world business rules to data in a solution.
• It stores all of the data for your solution.
• It accesses and loads data from a variety of sources.
• It enables users to interact with your solution.

Explanation: The data integration layer gathers and integrates data from multiple sources.

Question 2)
Complete the following. Software engineers ….

• Design and develop software that solves real-world problems.
• Develop and maintain data architectures.
• Design and implement network systems.
• Use software solutions to solve real-world problems.

Explanation: Software engineers focus on designing and developing solutions that address real-world needs.

Question 3)
Which of the following is an example of a hard skill?

• Interpersonal skills
• Time management
• Open to feedback
• Programming

Explanation: Programming is a technical, measurable skill, making it a hard skill.

Question 4)
Which of the following is an attribute of a soft skill?

• Measurable
• Quantifiable
• Transferable
• Certifiable

Explanation: Soft skills are generally transferable, meaning they can be applied across various roles and industries.

Question 5)
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts approximately what percent growth for software developers, analysts, and tests from 2020-2030?

• 22%
• 2%
• 12%
• 32%

Explanation: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts around 22% growth in software-related roles from 2020 to 2030.

Question 6)
A technical career path is a good choice if you:

• Enjoy managing people
• Enjoy supporting team members
• Enjoy solving problems
• Enjoy mentoring others

Explanation: Technical careers suit individuals who like to work through complex challenges and solve technical problems.

Question 7)
Who is most likely to work alongside graphic artists and sound technicians?

• A games developer
• A full-stack engineer
• A DevOps engineer
• A mobile app developer

Explanation: Games developers often collaborate with graphic artists and sound technicians to create immersive experiences.

Question 8)
True of false. Learning on the job and developing new skills is an important part of a software engineer’s role.

• True
• False

Explanation: Continuous learning and skill development are crucial in software engineering to keep up with evolving technology.

Question 9)
Which role is responsible for developing code to test the functionality of a software solution?

• A front-end engineer
• A back-end engineer
• A security engineer
• A quality assurance engineer

Explanation: Quality assurance engineers are responsible for writing tests to ensure software functionality and quality.

Question 10)
What is the overarching purpose of the software engineering code of ethics?

• To serve the public good.
• To make software user-friendly.
• To improve the software development process.
• To improve the quality of software used in businesses.

Explanation: The software engineering code of ethics aims to prioritize public well-being and trust in software development.

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Graded Quiz: Final Quiz Answers

Question 1)
Which of the following is a code storage tool?

• HTML
• Code Editor
• Git
• IDE

Explanation: Git is a version control tool commonly used to store, track, and manage code.

Question 2)
Which of the following technologies adds more styles and function to CSS?

• HTML
• MORE
• LESS
• SASS

Explanation: SASS is a CSS preprocessor that extends CSS by adding advanced styling features.

Question 3)
Which of the following statements is true regarding pair programming?

• Pair programming requires two developers to be in the same physical location.
• Most developers find pair programming to be an unproductive use of their time.
• Pair programming is a type of agile development where two developers plan and discuss their ideas as they create a solution.
• Pair programming always consists of one developer typing in the code while the other is reviewing the code as it’s written.

Explanation: Pair programming involves two developers working together, often discussing and planning as they code.

Question 4)
Which of the following do version control systems help you keep track of?

• Errors in the code.
• Who changed the code.
• Bug reports.
• Program flow.

Explanation: Version control systems track changes in code, including details on who made each change.

Question 5)
Which type of software engineer develops the software that users interact with?

• Back-end engineers
• Front-end engineer
• Systems developer
• Network engineer

Explanation: Front-end engineers develop the part of the software that users directly interact with.

Question 6)
Which of the following is an example of a hard skill?

• Problem solving
• Cloud computing
• Communication
• Adaptability

Explanation: Cloud computing is a technical skill, making it a hard skill.

Question 7)
Which of the following are reasons for the high demand for software engineers?

• There’s a lack of people interested in the field.
• Most organizations need software applications and websites.
• Many software engineers are retiring.
• Lots of software engineers are leaving the industry.

Explanation: The demand for software engineers is high because nearly all industries require software applications and websites.

Question 8)
A senior software engineer often:

• Takes responsibility for the overall architecture and design of a product.
• Mentors other software engineers.
• Identifies hiring needs for a company.
• Monitors the requirements for corporate technologies.

Explanation: Senior software engineers often mentor junior engineers, sharing their knowledge and experience.

Question 9)
Which of the following is an advantage of using the software development lifecycle (SDLC)?

• Respond to changing requirements
• Increases risks
• Team members share the same roles and responsibilities
• Solve problems during the coding phase

Explanation: The SDLC provides a structured approach to handle and respond to evolving project requirements.

Question 10)
Which software development process verifies that the software matches established requirements and is free from bugs?

• Testing
• Coding
• Design
• Debugging

Explanation: Testing is the process of verifying that software meets requirements and is free of bugs.

Question 11)
Which of the following specifications specifies policy and regulation requirements?

• User Requirements Specification (URS)
• Application Requirements Specification (ARS)
• Software Requirements Specification (SRS)
• System Requirements Specification (SysRS)

Explanation: The SysRS defines policies and regulations that the software must comply with.

Question 12)
Which of the following software development methodologies easily handles changing requirements and enables feedback to be regularly incorporated into the solution?

• Sequential
• Agile
• Waterfall
• V-shape model

Explanation: Agile methodologies allow for flexible handling of changing requirements and encourage regular feedback.

Question 13)
Fill in the blank. An attribute of an object is called a __.

• instance
• class
• blueprint
• property

Explanation: An attribute of an object in programming is called a property.

Question 14)
Which of the following is a characteristic of a component?

• Extensible
• Revisable
• Context-specific
• Repeatable

Explanation: A component is often designed to be extensible, allowing for future expansions or adaptations.

Question 15)
Which type of architecture is a computing model in which a server hosts, delivers, and manages most of the resources and services delivered to a client?

• Microservices
• Peer-to-peer
• 2-tier
• 3-tier

Explanation: In a 2-tier architecture, a server hosts and manages most resources and services for the client.

Question 16)
Which environment is intended for use by all users?

• Development
• Staging
• QA
• Production

Explanation: The production environment is intended for end users, where the application is fully deployed and operational.

Question 17)
Which one of the following is an example of an interpreted programming language?

• C++
• JavaScript
• Java
• C

Explanation: JavaScript is an example of an interpreted programming language, which is executed line by line at runtime.

Question 18)
What four key database operations does the acronym CRUD stand for?

• Correct, Read, Update, Detain
• Create, Read, Undo, Detain
• Correct, Randomize, Undo, Delete
• Create, Read, Update, Delete

Explanation: CRUD stands for Create, Read, Update, and Delete, which are the basic operations for managing data.

Question 19)
The “While” keyword is used to perform which of the following type of programming logic?

• Loop
• For
• Branch
• If

Explanation: The “while” keyword is used for looping, allowing code to repeat as long as a condition is true.

Question 20)
What is the name of a special type of identifier that you can use to reference multiple program elements?

• Constant
• Container
• Identifier
• Variable

Explanation: A container is a type of identifier used to reference multiple elements, such as arrays or collections.

Check out also: Blogger Explained: What They Do and Why It Matters

Introduction to Software Engineering Quiz Answers Modules 1–6 (Updated) on / 12/ 09/ 2025

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Final Review

The Introduction to Software Engineering course by IBM on Coursera is one of the best options for beginners who want to explore the tech world. It covers the basics of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Agile methods, software design, and Python programming in a way that’s easy to follow. The hands-on labs, like coding in Python and experimenting with different tools, make the concepts practical and fun.

What I liked most is that the course doesn’t just teach theory—it also explains real job roles, career paths, and skills that are in demand. Whether you’re aiming to become a developer, IT professional, or just curious about software engineering, this course gives you a strong foundation and clear direction. Overall, it’s a well-structured and valuable course for anyone starting out in software engineering.