Unit 3

User Interface

User Interface

The inputs and outputs that allow a user to interact with a piece of software. User interface can include a variety of forms such as buttons, menus, images, text, and graphics.

Input

Data that are sent to a computer for processing by a program. Can come in a variety of forms, such as tactile interaction, audio, visuals, or text.

Output

Any data that are sent from a program to a device.

Program Statement

A command or instruction. Sometimes also referred to as a code statement.

Program

A collection of program statements. Programs run (or “execute”) one command at a time (source code).

Event

Associated with an action and supplies input data to a program. Can be generated when a key is pressed, a mouse is clicked, a program is started, or by any other defined action that affects the flow of execution.

Sequential Programming

Program statements run in order, from top to bottom

Event Driven Programming

Some program statements run when triggered by an event, like a mouse click or a key press.

Documentation

A written description of how a command or piece of code works or was developed.

Comment

A form of program documentation written into the program to be read by people and which do not affect how a program runs.

Pair Programming

A collaborative programming style in which two programmers switch between the roles of writing code and tracking or planning high level progress.

Debugging

Finding and fixing problems in an algorithm or program.

Syntax Error

A mistake in the program where the rules of the programming language are not followed.

Logic Error

The program runs but doesn’t do what you think it should. Can be tricky to fix because there might not be an error message. Fix by retracing your steps, being humble, and trying to understand why the computer is interpreting what you wrote the way it is.

Development Process

The steps or phrases used to create piece of software. Typical phases include investigating, designing, prototyping, and testing.

Incremental Development Process

A design approach that breaks the problem into smaller pieces and makes sure each piece works before adding it to the whole.

Iterative Development Process

A design approach requires refinement and revision based on feedback, testing, or reflection throughout the process. This may require revisiting earlier phases of the process.

Plagiarism

The use of material created by someone else without permission and presented as one’s own.

Program Requirements

Description how a program functions and may include a description of user interactions that a program must provide.

Program Specification

A description of all the requirements for the program

Software

A program or a collection of programs.

cancelCase

A style used for naming elements in which multiple words are written together with no spaces. A capital letter begins each new word.