“Until the problem is well defined and articulated it is impossible to arrive at a solution”
The first step to solving any software engineering problem is to define the problem. Articulate the problem and eliminate all unnecessary terminologies and jargons. Start by reading the problem completely at least twice. Read and establish the context of each key word. If time allows, research about the problem.
Ensure that there is agreement on the problem to be solved. Try to restate the problem in you own understanding. Find out from the person who posed the problem whether the restated problem is the same as the original problem. Identify instances of the problem and see it is possible to solve an instance or example problem A solution to the example problem may lead to insights about how to solve the general problem or bring about any remaining misunderstanding.
Look at the problem from multiple perspectives. Each perspective may reveal additional information about the problem. The problem should be distinguished from its symptoms such that the root cause properly identified and stated.
The output of this step is a well-defined and articulated problem that focuses on what is required for its solution.
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