What does the discipline of software engineering require from practitioners?

The discipline of software engineering requires practitioners to adopt quantifiable and measurable approaches because software development is a complex process that benefits significantly from structured practices. This approach allows engineers to systematically assess the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of their work.

By utilizing measurable methodologies, software engineers can set clear goals, track progress, and evaluate the success of their projects through metrics. This is crucial for managing risks, optimizing resources, and ensuring that software meets specific requirements and standards. Key practices such as testing, documentation, and project management rely on a quantifiable framework to produce reliable and maintainable software.

In contrast, the other choices suggest methods that lack rigor. Creative artistic skills may be beneficial for design aspects but do not ensure the reliability and functionality essential in engineering. Subjective personal opinions can lead to inconsistent results that are not justifiable in a professional context. Finally, intuition-based methodologies might miss critical analysis and validation required in software development, potentially leading to flawed outcomes. Hence, the emphasis on measurable approaches solidifies the practice of software engineering as a reliable and disciplined field.