7B: understanding source code Flashcards
difference between developing software + maintaining existing software
the need to understand existing solution
how can documentation assist in understanding source code
source of info to assist interpretation
- algorithm: means of understanding logic of solution
benefits of reading original documentation
can help understand inputs, variable types, processes, outputs
- modifications: may alter logic of code, therefore documentation should reflect that
creating algorithms from source code
done when original algorithms unavailable
- can help understanding of program
main steps in creating algorithms from source code
- identifying control structures
- understanding variable uses
identifying control structures
for structured techniques: very straightforward
for non-standard control structures: use flowchart + modify to be standard once flow/logic understood
understanding variables which have been used
to understand: purpose of each variable, how processing achieves purpose
- name of identifier should give clue on its function