Lecture 2

Question 1

C-based Languages

Answer 1

C++ includes all the features of C, but adds classes and other features to support object-oriented programming

• 1983: C-with-classes redesigned into C++
• 1985: C++ compilers made available
• 1989: ANSI/ISO C++ standardization starts
• 1999: ANSI/ISO C++ standard approved
• Hence the c99 compiler you will use later

Question 2

The need for abstraction

Answer 2

Abstraction involves determining the “least-common denominator” held in common by sets of data/object or functionality/method within a program.

• can be re-used
• can be shared
• can be extended

Question 3

Strengths of C/C++

Answer 3

Portable: usually does not requires a significant change when the C/C++ programs are ported to different machines (ranging from super-computer to embedded systems)
- C compilers are small and easy to be included in any application development environment

Powerful: has a large collections of data types/classes and operators/methods.

Flexible: C imposes very few restrictions on the use of its features

Standard Library: almost universal

Integrated well with all existing platforms: including Microsoft C/C++, and popular UNIX variant (known as Linux and Android) and MacOS (and hence the iOS)

Question 4

Effective use of C++

Answer 4

• Use software tools (debuggers, etc.) to make programs more reliable.
• Take advantages of existing code libraries.Adopt a sensible set of coding conventions.
• Avoid “tricks” and overly-complex codes.
• Stick to the standards (to maximize the portability).

Question 5

Software engineering

Answer 5

The term software engineering refers to the study of software development on large scales.

Question 6

Waterfall model

Answer 6

1. Marketing
2. Analysis
3. Design
4. Implementation
5. Testing
6. Maintenance

Question 7

Known software catastrophes

Answer 7

First flight of ESA Ariane 5: Self-desctructed due to arithmetic overflow exception

1999 - Mars Climate Orbiter: wrong units
1999 - Mars Polar Lander: engine cutoff too early due to bug
2004 - Mars Rover: too many files opened
2006 - Mars Global Surveyor: battery failure to due bug

Question 8

Necessary skills

Answer 8

• Prior programming experience
• Willingness to work in groups
• Ability to tolerate frustration
• Ability to see both the big picture and local, detailed specifics