Chapter 5: How can programs be used to solve problems

Question 1

5 stages of developing a program

Answer 1

Gather requirements 
Plan solutions 
Write code 
Test and refine code
Implement code

Question 2

Gather requirements

Answer 2

Determine the nature of problem, why program is needed and what the program is expected to do
Tasks:
- Interview intended audience of the program
- Identify the inputs and outputs

Question 3

Plan solutions

Answer 3

Consider the options available before any code is written, and to choose an algorithm based on the resources available
Tasks:
- Manually solve different simplified examples of the problem and generalise the steps to solve the problem
- Try different ways to break down the problem
- Compare the problems to other problems that have been solved before
- Estimate the amount of effort or time needed to write the code
- Write out possible algorithms with flowchart or pseudo-code

Question 4

Write code

Answer 4

Write code that performs algorithm as planned
Tasks:
- W r i t e c o d e

Question 5

Test and refine code

Answer 5

Testing is the process by which defects in a program can be detected
Test case is a set of inputs and the corresponding set of outputs for a program used to verify whether the program works as intended
Task:
- Run code through one or more test cases
- Evaluate whether the program is working as intended

Question 6

Implement code

Answer 6

When code is used by intended audience
Tasks:
- Training users to use the programs
- Transitioning from old program to new program
- Evaluate effectiveness of program in solving problem