Programming - Theory Flashcards
What are the standard algorithms?
5
- Input Validation
- Count Occurence
- Linear Search
- Find Min
- Find Max
Local Variable Defintion
2
- A variable declared in a sub program
- Scope of variable is the sub program it is declared in
Global Variable Defintion
- A variable that is declared outwith a sub program
- Scope of variable is the entire program
Implementation:
Parallel Arrays Definition
Arrays used in conjuction of each other so programmers can display information together
Implementation:
Records Definition
Programmer defined data types
Implementation:
Module Programming Examples
3
- Sub-Program
- Procedure
- Function
Implementation:
Procedure Defintion
Sub-programs designed to perform a series of commands with values sometimes passed to/from another part of the program
Implementation:
Function Definition
Sub-programs designed to always return a single value to another part of the program
Implementation:
What is parameter passing?
When a local variable is passed from one sub program to another
Implementation:
By Reference Definition
The sub-program has direct access to the memory location holding the value. This means any changes to the value being held will be stored.
Implementation:
By Value Definition
The sub-program is given a temporary copy of the value being held in the variable. The value can be changed, but this will not be stored
Implementation:
Where is the formal parameter located?
Where the sub-program/function is defined
Implementation:
Where is the actual parameter located?
Where the sub-program/function is called
Implementation:
What are the pre-defined functions?
4
- Character to ASCII
- ASCII to Character
- Decimal to Integer
- Find the Remainder
Implementation:
What are substring functions?
Functions that manipulate a whole string or extract a number of characters from a string, depending on the function
What are the substring functions?
4
- Left
- Right
- Mid
- Uppercase
Implementation:
What is a sequential file used for?
To hold the data in a set sequence/order
Implementation (sequential files):
What are the file operations?
5
- Create
- Open
- Close
- Read
- Write
Development Methodologies:
What does the iterative process involve?
2
- Programmers move from stage to stage in order, only revisiting stages where necessary and a problem is discovered
- It is a very structured process and clients are only communicated with at the beginning and end of development
What does the agile process involve?
2
- Uses ‘sprints’ which are periods of planned analysis, design, implementation and testing of a particular aspect of software
- It is a flexible process that is based on team work and daily communication which is suited to small, short term projects rather than larger scale projects
Development Methodologies:
Iterative Strengths
4
- Rigid planning structure
- Good for large teams
- Helps to plan and track large software projects
- Clear agreement on outcomes at start of project
Development Methodologies:
Iterative Weaknesses
4
- Very rigid approach does not deal well with mid-project changes
- Can over-complicate simple projects
- Unidentified issues at the analysis stage can be time-consuming and costly to fix
- Little involvement of client after analysis
Development Methodologies:
Agile Strengths
4
- Copes well with little cumulative changes as the project progresses
- Good for small scale projects like most apps
- Ongoing involvement of client allows changes to be agreed quickly
- Changes cause less delay or can be tackled in the next version
Development Methodologies:
Agile Weaknesses
4
- Works best with small teams
- Needs close version control and tracking of changes
- Can be difficult to determine the full scope of the project in the early stages
- Usually no legally binding agreement at the start
Testing:
Reasons for Testing
3
- Identify errors
- Show that all functional requirements have been met
- Ensure efficient and maintainable code
Testing:
What is a dry run?
2
- When a programmer works through the program on paper following the code line by line to pick up logic errors
- Often used with trace table
Testing:
What is a trace table?
Consists of the variables used in a specific program and allows the developer to track the values being stored at different points throughout the program
Testing:
What is a breakpoint?
2
- A user-defined point in the program where the code will stop executing, and the value of variables can be inspected to ensure they are correct
- Often used with trace tables
Testing:
What is a watchpoint?
2
- A point placed on a specific variable to track any changes in value, program will stop when the value of the variable changes
- Used with breakpoints to look at the value of only specific variables when a breakpoint is triggered
Design:
What is top down, stepwise refinement?
2
- Any main steps from the design are known as the top down design
- These main steps are usually broken down further into step by step instructions known as stepwise refinements, which helps the programmer break down the program into manageable modules
Design:
What are the benefits of a modular solution?
3
- Different programmers can implement different parts of the design
- Each part of the design can be tested seperately
- Design shows the main process clearly
Evaluation:
What criteria is evaluated in a program?
5
- Fitness for purpose
- Efficient use of coding constructs
- Usability
- Maintainability
- Robustness
Analysis:
What is the role of a systems analyst?
2
- Meeting with the client and discussing their specific needs
- Creating a detailed project proposal
Analysis:
What is the software specification?
Defined extent of the software and a legal contract between the client and the developers
Analysis:
What is the role of a client in software specifications
Legally obliged to pay for the software
Analysis:
What should analysis include?
4
- Purpose
- Scope
- Boundaries
- Functional Requirements
Analysis:
Purpose
A general description of the purpose of the software
Analysis:
Scope
A list of deliverables that the project will hand over to the client / user
Analysis:
Boundaries
The limits of what is and isn’t in the project
Analysis:
Functional Requirements
Features and functions that must be delivered by the systems in terms of inputs, processes and outputs
