Module 11 Program Development

CIS chapter 11

Documentation

A collection and summary of the data, information, and deliverables specific to a project.

Scope creep

Occurs during program development when one activity has led to another that was not planned originally. Also called feature creep.

scope

Goals, objectives, and expectations of a project.

change management

Process of recognizing when a change in a project has occurred, taking actions to react to the change, and planning for opportunities because of the change.

User experience

The focus on the user’s reaction to and interaction with a product, including its efficiency, effectiveness, and ease of use.

macro

Small programs the user can create to perform repetitive tasks.

software development life cycle (SDLC)

The set of activities used to build a program.

planning phase

The initial phase of the software development life cycle, including reviewing and approving requests for the project, allocating resources, and forming a project team.

analysis phase

Phase of the software development life cycle that includes conducting a preliminary investigation and performing detailed analysis.

Feasibility

The measure of the suitability of the development process to the individual project at any given time.

system proposal

Using the data gathered during the feasibility study and detailed analysis to present a solution to the need or request.

design phase

A phase of the software development life cycle when the project team acquires the necessary hardware and programming languages/tools, as well as develops the details of the finished product.

prototype

A working model that demonstrates the functionality of the program or app.

implementation phase

Phase of the system development life cycle during which the new or modified system is constructed, or built, and then delivered to the users. Four major activities performed include: (1) develop programs and apps, (2) install and test the new system, (3) train users, and (4) convert to the new system.

direct conversion

Conversion strategy where the user stops using the old system and begins using the new system on a certain date.

Parallel conversion

Conversion strategy that consists of running the old system alongside the new system for a specified time.

phased conversion

Conversion strategy where each location converts at a separate time.

pilot conversion

Conversion strategy where only one location in the organization uses the new system so that it can be tested.

support and security phase

Phase of the software development life cycle that involves providing necessary maintenance for a program or app, such as fixing errors or improving functionality; also includes monitoring performance to ensure efficiency.

testing

A process in which each app or program function is tested to ensure it works properly.

Quality assurance

Testing software and reporting any issues to the developers.

Predictive development

Software development that uses a linear, structured development cycle.

Waterfall method

A linear, structured software development cycle that takes each step individually and completes it before continuing to the next phase.

Agile development

Software development method that incorporates flexibility in the goals and scope of the project; agile projects may evolve in phases, releasing components as they are finalized, and adding functionality as it is needed or requested by users.

adaptive development

The same as agile development.

Rapid application development (RAD)

Uses a condensed or shortened software development process to produce a quality product.

DevOps

A software development approach that encourages collaboration between the development and operations, produces programs quickly, and then offers continuous updates to increase the functionality of the program.

deliverable

Any tangible item, such as a chart, diagram, report, or program file.

project management software

An app used to assist developers in planning, scheduling, and controlling development projects.

Project management

The process of planning, scheduling, and then controlling the activities during system development.

Gantt chart

A chart that shows project schedule timelines.

PERT chart

Short for Program Evaluation and Review Technique chart; chart developed by the U.S. Department of Defense that analyzes the time required to complete a task and identifies the minimum time required for an entire project.

joint-application design (JAD) session

A series of lengthy, structured group meetings in which users and IT professionals work together to design or develop an application. Also called a focus group.

focus group

A series of lengthy, structured group meetings in which users and IT professionals work together to design or develop an application. Also called a joint-application design (JAD) session.

project team

Group formed for each system development project, usually consisting of users, the systems analyst, and other IT professionals.

systems analyst

Person responsible for designing and developing an information system.

request for quotation (RFQ)

A method that identifies the required products and in which the vendor quotes a price during system development.

request for proposal (RFP)

A method in which the vendor selects the product(s) that meets the specified requirements and then quotes the price(s) during system development.

request for information (RFI)

A method that uses a standard form to request information about a product or service during system development.

value-added reseller (VAR)

An organization that purchases products from manufacturers and then resells these products to the public, offering additional services with the product.

IT consultant

A professional, typically hired based on technical expertise, who provides technology services to his or her clients.

programming language

A set of words, abbreviations, and symbols. A programmer or developer uses a programming language to create instructions for a program or app.

syntax

A set of programming rules used for writing instructions.

Machine languages

The first generation of programming languages; their instructions use a series of binary digits (0s and 1s).

assembly language

The second generation of programming languages; uses symbolic instruction codes, such as A for add, M for multiply, and L for load.

Procedural languages

Third generation of programming languages that use a series of English-like words to write instructions, such as ADD for addition, or PRINT for printing.

4GLs

Fourth-generation programming language; provides a graphical environment in which the programmer uses a combination of English-like instructions, graphics, icons, and symbols to create code.

5GLS

Fifth-generation programming language; an attempt to create programs that solve problems without requiring the programmer to write algorithms.

source code editor

A text editor designed for programming.

debuggers

Tool used to test program code, determine any errors, and provide suggestions to fix them.

compiler

A separate program that converts the entire source program into machine language before executing it.

interpreter

Program used to convert a source program into machine language by translating and then executing the machine language instructions one instruction at a time.

integrated development environment (IDE)

Combines advanced code editing tools, debugging tools, and a graphical user interface to interact with file management tools, to simplify the process of developing websites and applications.

software development kit (SDK)

A set of programming tools that includes a programming interface, compiler, debugger, and more.

code repository

Web-based tool programmers use to archive and host source code; often used by open source projects so that developers can access the parts of the code they want to modify.

object-oriented programming (OOP)

A common method of programming that focuses on objects that represent real persons, events, or transactions, and the behavior and data associated with those objects.

object

An item that can contain both data and the procedures that read or manipulate that data.

class

In object-oriented programming, a type of object that defines the format of the object and the actions an object can perform.

method

An action that an object can perform; procedures are often written to invoke methods in response to user actions.

security audit

Test that looks at common security practices and ensures that the app or system meets the recommended criteria.

penetration testing

Testing strategy in which developers attempt to break into the app or system to pinpoint security vulnerabilities.

Fuzz testing

A testing strategy that uses automated tools to test a system by using unexpected input to ensure the app or system does not crash. Also called fuzzing.

beta version

A prerelease version of a system or app made available at the late stages of development so that select users can start using the product to determine any additional work that is needed.

unit test

Test performed during the program development life cycle that verifies each individual program or object works by itself.

systems test

Test performed during the program development life cycle that verifies all programs in an application work together properly.

integration test

Test performed during the program development life cycle that verifies an application works with other applications.

acceptance test

Test performed by end users during the program development life cycle that checks the new system to ensure that it works with actual data.

push notifications

An alert sent through a user’s device’s notification, or by email or text.

pull notification

A notification sent in response to a user’s actions or request.

algorithm

A process or set of rules used in problem-solving, such as calculations

variable

A named location in memory used to store information, such as a value, that is used in a program. In a formula, a symbol for a value that can change.

sequence

A set of steps that must be completed in a certain order.

conditional statements

If… Then… Else statement used to instruct a program to make decisions by determining if a condition is either true or false.

iterations

A repetition of a sequence of instructions.

sandbox

A protected environment that guards against websites and hackers trying to save files or install malware on the user’s computer.