Software Development Flashcards
1
Q
Describe what is meant by the term IDE (Integrated Development Environment)
A
- An Integrated Development Environment is a tool that makes it easier for programmers to write, debug and develop their code
- It includes a text editor for writing code, a translator for compiling or interpreting code, a debugger for testing code
2
Q
Describe the features of an IDE (Integrated Development Environment)
A
- Stepping - this allows you to monitor the effect of each individual line of code by executing a single line at a time
- Breakpoint - allow users to set a point in the program at which the program will stop this helps to pinpoint where an error is occurring
- Syntax Highlighting – by highlighting different data types in different colours it makes it easier for programmers to identify certain point of code
- Autocomplete – in some modern versions of IDE have a feature that suggest code for you which can speed up the process of writing code as you don’t have to remember all the code
- Auto tabbing –makes code easier to read by forcing code to be uniformly neat
- Debugging tools - some IDEs provide run-time detection of errors with a guide as to where in the code they are likely to have occurred through line numbers and highlighting
3
Q
What are the stages of Software Development
A
- Analysis - Business Case, Requirements gathering and documentation
- Design - Specifications of products made
- Development - Development of code, prototypes and working solutions
- Testing - Testing build versions. Until issues and bugs are addressed
- Deployment - Deploy new systems live, settling in time.
- Maintenance - Hand over to the support and maintenance team
4
Q
Describe the Waterfall Development Methodology Description and Diagram
A
- Each step is completed one at a time from beginning to end
- Each step has a specific output that leads to the next step
- The developers can go back to previous stages if necessary but they then have to work back down through the following stages
- To make changes later would result in high cost implications to the work that has already been completed
5
Q
Describe the RAD (Rapid application) Methodology Description
A
- Creates an initial ‘incomplete’, partially functioning prototypes which is continually built-upon
- User feedback is then used to generate requirements for the next iteration
- This makes use of parallel development of tasks to speed up development
- This is produced with a strict time limit
6
Q
Describe the Agile Method Description and Diagram
A
- Uses Iternations and each version builds on the prior with increased functionality
- This method is useful for projects with unclear initial requirements because if a user spot a missing requirement or new feature, they may add it into a future iteration
7
Q
Describe the Spiral Development Methodology Description and Diagram
A
- This method focuses on four key stages repeatedly -
- Analyses/ Determining Objectives
- Identifying risks
- Development and Testing
- Evaluating the next iteration
- If the project is found to be too risky at any point, the project is terminated
8
Q
What are the Two Variants of Agile Development Method
A
- Extreme Programming (XP)
- Scrum method
9
Q
What is Extreme Programming
A
- Extreme Programming uses pair programmers meaning that the programmer works with the user to develop the product together
- At the start of each planning phase they determine that will be developed and at the end they feedback to each other
- This produces high quality code but there is a high cost of two people working on one project
10
Q
What is Scrum method
A
- The Scrum method has three different roles -
- Product Owner – responsible for the business aspect
- Scrum Master – looks after the team’s performance and the quality of the product
- The Team - addresses any issues or problems together
- The projects are run as a series of goals called Sprints, each one taking about a month. At the end of each Sprint there is a Sprint review which allows the team to get feedback from the user before moving onto the next Sprint
11
Q
What are the Advantages, Disadvantages and Uses of each of the Programming Methodologies
A
12
Q
What are the different types of Testing Strategies
A
- White box testing
- Black box testing
- Alpha testing
- Beta testing
13
Q
Describe White Box Testing (Structural Testing)
A
- Tests the structure of the code for correct values so that the unit of code operate as they should
- All of the possible routes through the program are tested
- Testing is carried out by the software development teams who coded the unit of code
- Weakness - will not detect missing functions – you cannot test what isn’t there! The test is accurate only if the tester knows what the program is supposed to do
14
Q
Describe Black Box Testing (Functional Testing)
A
- Involves looking at the program specification and creating a test plan that traces through inputs and outputs within the software
- The software is tested without the testers being aware of the internal structure of the software (can be carried out by the company and by end-users)
- Weakness - Test cases are challenging to design without having clear functional specifications and there is a high probability of repeating tests already performed by the programmer
15
Q
Describe Alpha Testing
A
- Users are used to discover if the system does not have the correct functionality so that bugs can be pinpointed and fixed (User Acceptance Testing)
- Carried out by the software developers in-house testing team
- Weaknesses - Only business requirements are covered in Alpha testing
