SLR 6 & 7 Flashcards
What is an algorithm
A set of instructions to solve a problem
What are some characteristics of a good algorithm
Produces a correct output
Allows for incorrect inputs
Must terminate
Be efficient
Be readable
Be clear and precise.
Examples of searching algorithms?
Linear search
Binary search
What are the two categories of software
Application software
Systems software
What are the stages of the software development life cycle
Analysis, Design, Implementation, Testing, Evaluation, Maintenance.
What happens in the analysis stage of software development.
A systems analyst gathers info about what the current system does and what the new system needs to do.
They then produce a document called system specification or user requirements. This defines what the system will do, but not how.
What are some kinds of testing
Black box testing, white box testing, alpha testing, beta testing.
What is black box testing
Testing carried out independently of code, looking at program specification and creating a set of test data that covers all the inputs, output, and
What is white box testing
Testing that depends on code logic. Tests are devised which check each path through the code at least once.
What is alpha testing
Carried out by software devs, in-house teams, and by the user. Can reveal errors or omissions in the definition of the system requirements.
What is beta testing
Used when commercial software is being developed. Software is given to potential users who agree to use the software and report faults. Real users do things that developers don’t anticipate.
What are the different software development models.
Life cycle, Waterfall, Spiral, Agile, Rapid delivery, Extreme Programming,
what is the life cycle model
Where the stages are shown in a circle, when after maintenance is complete, analysis begins again.
what is the waterfall model.
each stage is completed and documented before the next is begun. any change made often means starting again. Works well for smaller projects. Not much user involvement. No working product until late in cycle.
What is the spiral model
Project passes through stages repeatedly. Each loop round the spiral makes a better prototype. So issues can be identified early. Takes longer to develop. Costly. Unsuitable for smaller projects
