Programming - Theory Flashcards
What are the standard algorithms?
5
- Input Validation
- Count Occurence
- Linear Search
- Find Min
- Find Max
Local Variable Defintion
2
- A variable declared in a sub program
- Scope of variable is the sub program it is declared in
Global Variable Defintion
- A variable that is declared outwith a sub program
- Scope of variable is the entire program
Implementation:
Parallel Arrays Definition
Arrays used in conjuction of each other so programmers can display information together
Implementation:
Records Definition
Programmer defined data types
Implementation:
Module Programming Examples
3
- Sub-Program
- Procedure
- Function
Implementation:
Procedure Defintion
Sub-programs designed to perform a series of commands with values sometimes passed to/from another part of the program
Implementation:
Function Definition
Sub-programs designed to always return a single value to another part of the program
Implementation:
What is parameter passing?
When a local variable is passed from one sub program to another
Implementation:
By Reference Definition
The sub-program has direct access to the memory location holding the value. This means any changes to the value being held will be stored.
Implementation:
By Value Definition
The sub-program is given a temporary copy of the value being held in the variable. The value can be changed, but this will not be stored
Implementation:
Where is the formal parameter located?
Where the sub-program/function is defined
Implementation:
Where is the actual parameter located?
Where the sub-program/function is called
Implementation:
What are the pre-defined functions?
4
- Character to ASCII
- ASCII to Character
- Decimal to Integer
- Find the Remainder
Implementation:
What are substring functions?
Functions that manipulate a whole string or extract a number of characters from a string, depending on the function
What are the substring functions?
4
- Left
- Right
- Mid
- Uppercase
Implementation:
What is a sequential file used for?
To hold the data in a set sequence/order
Implementation (sequential files):
What are the file operations?
5
- Create
- Open
- Close
- Read
- Write
Development Methodologies:
What does the iterative process involve?
2
- Programmers move from stage to stage in order, only revisiting stages where necessary and a problem is discovered
- It is a very structured process and clients are only communicated with at the beginning and end of development
What does the agile process involve?
2
- Uses ‘sprints’ which are periods of planned analysis, design, implementation and testing of a particular aspect of software
- It is a flexible process that is based on team work and daily communication which is suited to small, short term projects rather than larger scale projects
Development Methodologies:
Iterative Strengths
4
- Teams are well established and rigid
- Good for large teams - helps to plan and track large software projects
- Clear agreement on outcomes at start of project
Development Methodologies:
Iterative Weaknesses
3
- Very rigid approach does not deal well with mid-project changes
- Unidentified issues at the analysis stage can be time-consuming and costly to fix
- Little involvement of client after analysis
Development Methodologies:
Agile Strengths
3
- Ongoing testing and evaluation
- Ongoing involvement of client allows changes to be agreed quickly
- Teams communicate and collaborate rather than work in isolation
Development Methodologies:
Agile Weaknesses
3
- Works best with small teams
- Needs close version control and tracking of changes
- Can be more difficult to predict the longer term goals of the project, and the final product may not look anything like the initial concept.
