First things first: If software engineering is the solution, then what is the problem?

TL;DR

This paper discusses the ontological crisis in software engineering, emphasizing the need to define what software truly is in order to develop a scientific theory of the field.

Contribution

It highlights the lack of a foundational theory in software engineering and argues for clarifying the nature of software as a first step towards scientific understanding.

Findings

Software engineering lacks a unifying theory.

The field has prioritized pragmatism over scientific rigor.

Understanding what software is essential for developing a theory.

Abstract

Software engineering (SE) undergoes an ontological crisis and it lacks of a theory. Why? Among other reasons, because always it succumbed to the pragmatism demanded by the commercial and political interests and abandoned any intention to become a science instead of a professional discipline. For beginning a discussion for define a theory of software, first, is required to know what software is.