9.1.2 Application of Software development approaches

Question 1

What does a software developer have to consider in regards to defining and indentifying the problem?

Answer 1

• needs of the client
• functionality requirements
• compatibility issues
• performance issues
• boundaries of the problem

Question 2

What does the system analyst have to look for in regards to the needs of the client?

Answer 2

The needs of the client are what the client is intrested in. The system analyst has to consider the final output- does it do what it is supposed to do (no logic errors), GUI etc.

Question 3

What are functionality requirements, compatibility issues and performance issues?

Answer 3

Functionality requirements are the needed interaction (e.g. other programs, hardware, OS speed).

Performance issues are the required speeds, and overall capability of the software solution.

Compatibility issues are the specifications needed to be met for the overall system.

Question 4

What are the boundaries of a system (in regards to defining and understanding the problem).

Answer 4

Boundaries determine the scope of the system, i.e. what has to be made by the developer and what will be used from elsewhere.

Question 5

What are issues relevant to a proposed solution?

Answer 5

• Social and ethical impacts.
• Existing software solutions.(COTS/RAD).
• Cost effectiveness.
• Licensing consideration.
• Software development approaches

Question 6

What are design specifications?

Answer 6

The design specifications compile what should be derived from the solution. i.e. What has to be made.
Within the specifications there is documentation for the developers perspective and the users perspective?

Question 7

What are developers more concerned with in regards to design specifications?

Answer 7

Within the specifications there is documentation for the developers perspective which assess code such as:
Data types
Data structures
Algorithms
Variables, Constants, Operators
Software design approach
Internal documentation

The process is more concerened about the overall process.

Question 8

In regards to design specifications, what are users/clients more concerned with?

Answer 8

The user perspective is more concerned with the final product, including the:
Screen design
Appropriate elements
Inclusivity
Consistency
Social and ethical issues
Relevance to the user’s