Domain knowledge is information relevant to software content, not programming. It helps programmers set up software to host information that appeals to the target market. Input from end-users is necessary for a useful and attractive product.
Also known as subject matter expertise, domain knowledge is information relevant to the content hosted in a software package. This type of knowledge is different from programming knowledge, which influences how the software product itself is designed to work. The goal of domain knowledge is to provide the basis of how the programmer sets up the software program so that the information the program is able to host and use will make it attractive to the targeted user market.
One of the easiest ways to understand the role of domain knowledge in software product development is to consider vendor input in developing a new sales database. Salespeople will know what kind of information they would like to host in that database. For example, data such as company names, contact names, and general contact information would be essential for setting up customer profiles using the software. At the same time, a salesperson would also like the ability to designate the contact status in some way, such as a lead, prospect, or customer. It would also be nice to include sections for capturing discussion notes, scheduling pending tasks related to a specific contact, and even the ability to export or import information from other programs.
Similarly, the domain knowledge of medical professionals can go a long way in helping programmers and developers find useful software products in a doctor’s office, hospital, or other medical facility. Tapping into the knowledge base and experience of medical professionals can help develop software programs that help with everything from administering medication to patients in a hospital to maintaining comprehensive records on every patient. By knowing what end users need in a program, you can incorporate those needs into your development and programming functions and get a useful and attractive product.
From this perspective, domain knowledge is about helping programmers get an idea of what a program needs to accomplish in order to meet the needs of potential users. This form of knowledge engineering is often used by developers as a means to create new products or refine newer versions of older products to make them more useful for consumers. At the same time, programmers will try to keep the user interface as friendly as possible, while still including features and functions of interest to end users. Finding this ideal balance usually requires input from those users if the software product is to achieve its goals and attract the attention of potential buyers.
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