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Computer Science A-Level > Software Engineering > Flashcards

Software Engineering Flashcards

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1
Q

Append

A

add a new record at the end of the file

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2
Q

Automated Testing

A

where computer-controlled equipment tests programs for functionality and performance

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3
Q

Automatic Formatting of Code

A

automatically formats code in the right way, for example, automatically indenting code

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4
Q

Back-Up

A

a second copy of data that can be used to recover data in the vent of data loss

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5
Q

Back-Up Cycle

A

the frequency with which old breakups are overwritten by newer backups. These are used to restored lost data, most of which are time-dependent, therefore, old backups are of little use

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6
Q

Binary File

A

stores data in non-human readable format

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7
Q

Black Box Testing

A

a test technique in which the test feeds specific pieces of data into a system, before looking for expected outcome

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8
Q

Branch

A

requests and independent line of development that stems from a central database

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9
Q

Break Point

A

causes the program to run up to a point and then pause, allowing for variable inspection

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10
Q

Check In

A

involves uploading a modified file after making changes locally

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11
Q

Check Out

A

refers to process by which a developer or user acquires a copy of a specific version of a file

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12
Q

Code Repository

A

these hold libraries of reusable code or data

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13
Q

CASE

A

Computer-Aided Software Engineering

the name given to a range of software tools that aid the design, development and testing of different types of software

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14
Q

Lower CASE

A

provides support in the later stages such as testing

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15
Q

Upper CASE

A

provide support for the early stages of the system’s development life cycle, providing support for stages such as design

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16
Q

Data Collision

A

where an algorithm generates the same storage location for more than one key value

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17
Q

Data Dictionary

A

a collection of data and attributes about data elements that are being used in a database, describing the meanings and purpose of data elements within the projects context and provides guidance on interpretation

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18
Q

Double Buffering

A

where two buffers work simultaneously; whilst one buffer is being written to, the other is being written from

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19
Q

File

A

a data structure that is always stored on a device that is a collection of records

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20
Q

File Processing

A

usually very repetitive, carried out at off-peak with little, if any, human intervention

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21
Q

File System Snapshot

A

backup using disk mirroringF

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22
Q

Full Backup

A

where everything is backed up every time, simple and easy to implement but takes a lot of time and is very expensive

23
Q

Hashing Algorithm

A

used to calculate the location of a record, where, to find a record, pass the key to a hashing function, then the physical location of the record is returned; if files need to be reorganised, hashing algorithms are used to recreate the file

24
Q

Incremental Backup

A

only backs up data that has changed and writes over older backups, useful as it saves storage space and is faster than full backup, but only allows the user to restore the most recent backup and recovery is most complex because you still need a full backup to apply incremental backups to

25
Q

Indexed Sequential File

A

where records are stored in key field order, using an index structure to allow direct access to the data, very efficient for batch processing, allows faster access, but index takes up extra storage space and new records must be inserted into the correct place or overflow areas and indexes must be updated

26
Q

Industrial Strength Backup

A

where one copy is kept online, one is kept offline, and one is kept online and offsite

27
Q

Local Backup

A

where the backup is stored on the same machine as the main data source

28
Q

Logical Backup

A

a backup that is stored in binary format

29
Q

Manual Testing

A

where a person manually tests programs for functionality and performance

30
Q

Memory Protection

A

a way to control memory access rights to a computer, where RAM is set up so that, by default, it cannot access various pieces of data without causing a memory error so that two programs cannot use the same memory location

31
Q

Multilevel File

A

where the top level contains the range of key fields stored and the location of the next level index; the next level index includes a range of key field and the location of the next index; the last index will contain the physical address of the record for each key field allowing us to find the data

32
Q

Performance Testing

A

carried out to ensure that a system will be able to cope with the required workload

33
Q

Physical Backup

A

a backup of all operating system files

34
Q

Remote Backup

A

where the backup is stored on a separate location to the main data source

35
Q

Roll-Back

A

allows software developers to undo changes made to a system and revert back to a previous version

36
Q

Run-Time Diagnostics

A

this creates a virtual machine that emulates a system that the program is designed for when it’s not specifically designed for that platform

37
Q

Screen Design Software

A

allows the design of screens

38
Q

Sequential File

A

records are stored and accessed in key field order, used when all records need to be processed in one batch, eg bills and payrolls

39
Q

Serial File

A

records are stored in no particular order so to find a record you must start at the beginning and read each record in turn until you find the target, meaning searches are slow

40
Q

Shared Memory

A

where memory protection does not occur but may lead to memory corruption if it is not made read-only

41
Q

Software Engineering

A

an engineering approach to software development and is the process of designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software systems, different to programming due to the focus on engineering, so a software engineer will involve more mathematic and scientific methods

42
Q

Step Through

A

steps through program one statement at a time, allowing faults in program logic to be identified

43
Q

Syntax Highlighting

A

displays code in different colours and fonts according to categories of terms

44
Q

System Testing

A

often carried out by a specialist testing team, who will check that the system as a whole works as required. System testers will not usually be involved in the development of individual programs

45
Q

Tagging Versions

A

allows developers to assign a label to a specific point in history, serving as a reference point

46
Q

Text File

A

shares data in human readable format

47
Q

Transaction File

A

files like bank records and meter readings where data is stored serially, which are easy to program and very efficient, but have slow search times when looking for single records

48
Q

Unit Testing

A

often performed by the developer, and check that a program functions as required

49
Q

Variable Watch

A

the act of observing a specific variable whilst the program runs, which the programmer can do whilst using variable inspection

50
Q

Version Numbers

A

where previous versions are numbered in order to keep track of the current version

51
Q

Warning Messages

A

allow early detection of issues such as unused variables optimising performance

52
Q

Whitebox Testing

A

tester will feed data into a system that ensure that all path through the code are used and therefore testing

53
Q

Wire-Framing Software

A

help map out the user experience, layout, and overall flow, streamlining the design process

Computer Science A-Level (17 decks)

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