Programming fundamentals

Development step - Requirements define

Conditions and capabilities a system needs to meet to achieve its purpose

Development step -Determining specifications

Process of defining requirements for a software

Development step -Design

Create architecture of the system, create ui, plan database and how the system will work

Development step -Development

Write the code

Development step -Testing

Find out if software works and fix bugs

Development step -Installation

Send software out for users to install

Algorithm

a set of steps a computer follows to achieve a task.

Flowcharts

visual representation of an algorithm using a combinations of shapes and arrows

Pseudocode

text-based representation of an algorithm that uses keywords to mimic how the code would be written.

Sequence

A control structure where instructions are executed one after another in the order they are written

Selection

A control structure where the program chooses which path to follow based on a condition

Binary selection

A type of selection that offers exactly two possible paths, such as IF-THEN-ELSE

Multiway selection

A type of selection that offers more than two possible paths, such as a CASE or IF-ELSEIF-ELSE statement

Iteration (Repetition)

A control structure where a set of instructions is repeated multiple times until a condition is met

Pre-test iteration

A type of loop that checks the condition before executing the block of code, meaning the code may never run

Post-test iteration

A type of loop that checks the condition after executing the block of code, meaning the code will always run at least once

Subroutines

A named block of reusable code that performs a specific task and can be called from anywhere in the program

Pre test loop example Psuedocode

START

    integer counter = 1


    WHILE counter <= 3 DO
        PRINT "This is iteration number " + counter
        counter = counter + 1
    ENDWHILE

    PRINT "Loop has finished."
END

Post test loop example Pseudocode

START

    integer counter = 5

    REPEAT
        PRINT "This code runs at least once. Counter is " + counter
        counter = counter + 1
    UNTIL counter > 5 

    PRINT "Loop has finished."
END

Pre test loop flowchart

Post test loop flowchart

Backtracking

A solution is built to go step by step and tries a different option if a problem is encountered.

Procedure vs function

Functions have the return word and provide a result, while procedures don’t

Structure chart

A diagram that provides a system overview showing, module, control flow, data flow

Refinement

creating more detailed structure charts for lower level modules.

Shows data movement between modules

A specific variable passed to trigger stuff

indicates a decision

shows repetition

What is the char data type for

A single character

What is the string data type for

A sequence of characters like words

What is the boolean data type for

True or false

What is the real/float data type for

decimal numbers

What is the int data type for

whole numbers

What is the date/time data type for

clock and calendar data

What are arrays?

Collections of homogenous data

Records

structures containing multiple data types under one name

Trees

a hierarchal structure of data. Organised by nodes and branches

Stacks

a structure Last In and first out (LIFO)

Sequential files

Files that are processed from beginning to end

Breakpoints

Execution is stopped allowing you to spot errors in real time

Watches

monitor variables as they change

Inline stepping

execute code line by line to spot bugs

print statements (debugging)

Outputting information into the terminal

Boundary Testing

Uses extreme input values (min/max) to validate code

Path Coverage

Ensures all paths through code logic are tested

Faulty/Abnormal Data Testing

Introduces incorrect data to test robustness

Waterfall Model

A sequential development model with fixed phases. Suitable for well-understood,stable requirements.

Waterfall Cons

The linear nature makes it extremely difficult to accommodate changes once a phase is finished, and late-stage testing means critical errors may not be found until the project is nearly complete.

Agile Pros

provides high flexibility and rapid delivery through iterative cycles, ensuring the product stays relevant to user needs via constant feedback and early bug detection.

Agile Cons

The lack of a fixed scope can lead to scope creep and unpredictable final costs, while the requirement for constant stakeholder involvement can be taxing on resources.