What is Software Engineering?
1. It is to do with development of Large Systems.
2. The central theme is to master complexity. This complexity is to do with the existence of too many simple components rather than a few or a single component based on a sophisticated algorithm.
3. You are trying to model reality. In most cases it (read reality) is an existing manual process.
3.1. Software evolves like any reality.
3.2. The Software's efficieny is of great importance (as it models a reality).
3.3. Software has to support its users effectively. (this is highly implied!)
4. Co-operation is a key requirement between the parties and people developing software.
5. Members of one culture create artifacts for the members of another culture. eg: Most SE'ers are not bankers but then they do create banking/eCommerce systems.
6. It is a balancing act between that of an art and engineering.
REF:(6:31 PM 7/27/2011 Hans Van Vliet SE Principles and Practice)