Software Development

Question 1

Describe the role of the client when developing software using agile methodologies

Answer 1

 Details requirements
 Outlines scope and boundaries
 Evaluates prototype/suggest changes
 Provides feedback/liaising with development team throughout process

Question 2

What is meant by the scope of a variable

Answer 2

Section of code in which a variable is accessible/usable

Question 3

Describe the analysis stage of the software development process.

Answer 3

 Requirements elicitation eg
o Interview Client
o Inspect documentation
o Observation 
 Produce(software) specification
 Identify inputs/processes/outputs
 Identify scope/boundaries
 Functional requirements detailing features of software

Question 4

Describe how object-oriented languages are used to create software

Answer 4

 Uses classes/sub-classes
 Classes are created with attributes and methods
 Subclasses inherit code of a superclass
 Objects of these classes can be instantiated
 Methods perform an operation
 Attributes store properties/values (for an instance)
 Subclasses need only define additional attributes and
methods

Question 5

What is meant by a formal parameter?

Answer 5

 A formal parameter can be a copy of the actual parameter
 A formal parameter can be a pointer/placeholder to the actual parameter
 A formal parameter can control the flow of data eg. by
reference or by value

Question 6

Describe benefits of using local variables.

Answer 6

 More efficient as memory assigned to a local variable becomes available once function is terminated
 Allows variables of the same name in different modules without affecting others
 Aids modularity

Question 7

State benefits of using parameter passing rather than global variables.

Answer 7

 (Data flow is clearer so) code is more readable/easier to maintain
 Portability is improved as code can be reused (without altering variable names)
 Aids modularity
 Reduces clashes between variable names
 Reduces impact or load on main memory

Question 8

Explain why passing by value is more demanding on system resources when the data being passed is held in an array.

Answer 8

 Makes a copy of the array
 Increases the number of processing instructions
 Increases RAM requirements

Question 9

Harrison’s program is modular and makes use of functions. Explain what is meant by a function.

Answer 9

Returns a single value (used in assignment)

Question 10

What are the 4 elements covered by the Analysis stage?

Answer 10

Purpose
Functional Requirements
Scope
Boundaries

Question 11

What is purpose at analysis stage?

Answer 11

A summary statement of what the program is to be used for/ must do.

Question 12

What is meant by functional requirements?

Answer 12

The inputs, processes and outputs that are to be performed by the program.

Question 13

What is meant by Scope?

Answer 13

What needs to be delivered to the client to make the program functional.

Question 14

What are Boundaries?

Answer 14

What is and isn’t in the project. They will clarify any assumptions by putting limits on what is to be done.

Question 15

What are the 3 stages of the Design phase?

Answer 15

Design of the user interface
Design of the structure of the software
Design of the detailed logic of the software.

Question 16

What are subprograms?

Answer 16

Sub-Programs are used to describe a clear independent block of code within a program. Each block of code and be reused necessary, and it possible to test sub-programs independently.

Question 17

What are the 2 types of subprograms?

Answer 17

Procedures & Functions

Question 18

What are procedures?

Answer 18

Sub-programs designed to performs a series of commands, the majority of the time will not return values to the main program

Question 19

What are Functions

Answer 19

Sub-programs designed to always return values to another part of the program.

Question 20

What’s a local variable?

Answer 20

A local variable only exists within the subprogram in which it is declared.

Question 21

What’s a global variable?

Answer 21

A global variable is recognised by all the subprograms within the program.

Question 22

What is parameter passing?

Answer 22

Parameters is a variable or value that is passed into and/or out of a subprogram.

Parameter passing allows the values of local variables within a main program to be accessed, updated and used within multiple sub-programs without the need to create or use global variables.

Question 23

Write the code to create a RECORD STRUCTURE to hold forename, surname and age

Answer 23

RECORD member IS {STRING forename, STRING surname, INTEGER age}

Question 24

Declare Member 1 Harrison Rice, 17

Answer 24

DECLARE member1 INITIALLY Member(“Harrison”,”Rice”,17)

Question 25

What’s an actual parameter

Answer 25

The parameters used in the call to a module are called actual parameters. These are the actual values that are passed into the procedure or function