What are forward and reverse engineering tools, and how are they used?

What will be an ideal response?

Forward engineering tools can translate business processes and functions into applications. Some CASE tools allow you to build the system either by editing objects and code directly, or by modifying graphical representations such as DFDs and UML diagrams. Reverse engineering tools allow you to examine an existing application and break it down into a series of diagrams, structure charts, and, in some cases, source code.