Baseline

A baseline is a reference point within the evolution of a system or a program which is used as a point of comparison for future advancements in the said system or program. It is the software that has been developed to a certain extent and is not yet complete but is a rather advanced prototype of the final product once a lot of work has been done.

The Role of Baselines in Software Development

Baselines are very important in that they help in monitoring the progress and the current state of a project. Thus, software engineers can set a certain level of performance and monitor the progress of the project and changes made to it to meet the initial objectives and specifications. This is important in the sense that it helps in ensuring that the project does not lose focus as it progresses.

Importance of Baselines During Testing

Baselines are very helpful especially in the testing of the software where it is developed. These give teams a good starting point from which they are able to compare the effects of changes or modifications. Thus, comparing the current state of the software with the baseline, engineers can define the interferences or problem that may appear after the last changes and check that the software remains stable.

Conclusion

A baseline is a basic concept in the field of software development as it is a starting point from which further improvements will be measured. It assists in the overall project management especially when it comes to testing, as it gives a reference point of the software as it should be. This way and through this, it is possible to ensure that the development process is properly guided and that the final product is of the right quality and has the right features and characteristics.