Software processes: a retrospective and a path to the future <FNR></FNR><FN>This paper is an expanded version of the keynote presentation given by Carlo Ghezzi at the 5th International Conference on Software Process (Lisle, IL, 14–17 June 1998)...

Software engineering focuses on producing quality software products through quality processes. The attention to processes dates back to the early 1970s, when software engineers realized that the desired qualities (such as reliability, efficiency, evolvability, ease of use, etc.) could only be injected in the products by following a disciplined flow of activities. Such a discipline would also make the production process more predictable and economical. Most of the software process work, however, remained in an informal stage until the late 1980s. From then on, the software process was recognized by researchers as a specific subject that deserved special attention and dedicated scientific investigation, the goal being to understand its foundations, develop useful models, identify methods, provide tool support, and help manage its progress. This paper will try to characterize the main approaches to software processes that were followed historically by software engineering, to identify the strengths and weaknesses, the motivations and the misconceptions that led to the continuous evolution of the field. This will lead us to an understanding of where we are now and will be the basis for a discussion of a research agenda for the future. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]