2.3 Producing Robust Programs

Question 1

Defensive Design Considerations

Answer 1

Considerations made by programmers when creating solutions to problems, such as ensuring data is valid and secure.

Question 2

Input Sanitisation

Answer 2

The process of cleaning up input data by removing unwanted characters and symbols, preventing issues like SQL injection.

Question 3

Validation

Answer 3

Ensuring that the data entered fits within a specified range or type, to prevent errors and unexpected outcomes.

Question 4

Authentication

Answer 4

The process of verifying the identity of users by using usernames and passwords to secure access to data.

Question 5

Maintainable Code

Answer 5

Code that is written in a way that other programmers can easily understand and modify, especially when dealing with large projects.

Question 6

Comments in Code

Answer 6

Annotations added to code to explain what it does, making it easier for others to understand.

Question 7

Indentation

Answer 7

Properly spacing code to make it easier to follow the structure of the program.

Question 8

Meaningful Identifier Names

Answer 8

Using descriptive names for variables, constants, and functions to avoid confusion and clarify the program’s intent.

Question 9

Use of Sub-programs

Answer 9

Dividing code into smaller, reusable sections to improve structure and readability.

Question 10

Iterative Testing

Answer 10

Testing individual sections of code during development to ensure they work as expected.

Question 11

Final/Terminal Testing

Answer 11

Carrying out testing after the entire program has been developed to ensure the program works as a whole.

Question 12

Test Data

Answer 12

Data chosen to test how a program performs, ensuring the program handles various cases appropriately.

Question 13

Normal Test Data

Answer 13

Valid data within the expected range, used to test whether the program can accept and process it correctly.

Question 14

Invalid/Erroneous Test Data

Answer 14

Data that is not accepted by the program, such as entering an incorrect value like ‘s’ when a number is expected.

Question 15

Boundary Test Data

Answer 15

Data that lies at the edge of acceptable input ranges, used to check if the program can handle values like 0, 1, 10, etc.

Question 16

Test Data Types

Answer 16

The different categories of test data, including normal, invalid, and boundary data, to ensure the program functions properly in all situations.

Question 17

Building Robust Programs

Answer 17

The process of ensuring a program can handle various inputs and operate as expected under different conditions.

Question 18

Designing Robust Programs

Answer 18

The planning and structuring of code in a way that ensures the program is reliable, secure, and user-friendly.

Question 19

Testing Robust Programs

Answer 19

The process of evaluating a program by using various test cases to ensure it meets the desired specifications.

Question 20

Iterative Testing (Further Detail)

Answer 20

Testing the sections of a program while it is being developed to ensure errors are caught early in the process.

Question 21

Final/Terminal Testing (Further Detail)

Answer 21

The final round of testing after the program is completed, ensuring that it works as a whole and meets all requirements.

Question 22

Authentication Process

Answer 22

Ensuring that only authorized users are allowed to access certain resources by requiring usernames and passwords.

Question 23

Maintainable Code Practices

Answer 23

Using proper documentation, indentation, and meaningful naming conventions to write code that is easier for others to understand and modify.

Question 24

Testing Methods

Answer 24

Including normal, invalid, and boundary test data to make sure the program handles a variety of situations.

Question 25

Sub-program Usage

Answer 25

Sub-programs allow the program to be broken down into smaller parts, improving readability and maintainability of the code.