Key Concepts in Software Development and Design

UML (Unified Modeling Language)

An industry-standard visual language for modeling object-oriented systems, providing a standardized way to describe software systems and their interactions.

CRC (Class-Responsibility-Collaborator)

A technique used in object-oriented design to identify classes, define their responsibilities, and understand class interactions.

CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete)

A matrix used to determine standard methods for classes, representing the four basic functions of persistent storage.

XML (Extensible Markup Language)

A data exchange format used to share data between different computer systems and software, enabling data definition, sorting, filtering, and translation.

DTD (Document Type Definition)

A method used to determine if an XML document's content is valid and can be created using the data dictionary.

Data Dictionary

A reference work containing metadata (data about data) that collects and coordinates data terms across an organization.

Data Repository

A large collection of project information including system data, procedural logic, design details, and project management information.

Data Flow Diagram

A visual representation that catalogs data processes, flows, stores, structures, and elements.

Structural Record

A group of related elements (e.g., customer name, address, telephone) that can be further broken down.

Base Element

A data element that is initially keyed into the system directly.

Derived Element

An element created by a process, typically through calculations or decision-making statements.

Logical Data Structure

Represents the data a business needs for day-to-day operations.

Physical Data Structure

Includes additional elements necessary for system implementation.

User View

A data store created for a single report or screen.

Alphanumeric

Text data containing both letters and numbers.

Bit

A value of 1 or 0 (true/false).

Datetime

Alphanumeric data with various date formats.

Decimal/Numeric

Numeric data accurate to the least significant digit.

Float/Real

Approximate decimal values.

Integer

Whole number data.

Binary

Data representing binary strings (sound, pictures, video).

Objects

Persons, places, or things relevant to a system being analyzed, including both physical entities and system components like GUI displays.

Classes

Blueprints that define a set of shared attributes and behaviors for objects, providing a template for creating specific object instances.

Inheritance

A mechanism where a derived class inherits all attributes and behaviors from a base class, promoting code reuse and creating hierarchical relationships.

Instantiate

The process of creating a specific object from a class definition.

Attribute

A property or characteristic possessed by all objects within a specific class.

Method

An action or behavior that can be requested from any object of a particular class.

Polymorphism

The ability to have multiple versions of the same method within a superclass/subclass relationship, with the most specific method being used.

Aggregation

A 'has a' relationship showing how a whole object is composed of its parts, with a weaker association between components.

Composition

A stronger whole/part relationship where the deletion of the whole results in the deletion of its parts.

Process Specification

A detailed document describing the logic, inputs, outputs, and characteristics of a specific process within a system design.

Structured English

A method of documenting process logic using clear, structured language with specific keywords and logical constructs.

Decision Table

A structured matrix that shows different combinations of conditions and their corresponding actions or rules.

Decision Tree

A hierarchical diagram that maps out possible decision paths, showing conditions, decisions, and their potential outcomes.

Business Rules

Procedures and policies that define how a corporation operates, guiding decision-making and process execution.

Mini Specs

An alternative term for process specifications, typically used for documenting smaller or more primitive processes.

Sequential Structure

A block of instructions executed in a straightforward, linear order without branching.

Decision Structure

A logical construct that allows different actions based on specific conditions (IF-THEN-ELSE).

Case Structure

A more complex decision structure where mutually exclusive cases determine different actions.

Iteration Structure

A logical construct that repeats a block of statements until a specific condition is met.

Batch Process

A type of process where tasks are collected and processed together at scheduled intervals.

Online Process

A real-time processing method typically requiring screen or web page interfaces.

Manual Process

A process performed by human employees with well-defined procedural guidelines.

Definitional Rules

Explanations and definitions of specific business terms.

Condition-Action Rules

Statements defining specific actions triggered by particular conditions.

Data Integrity Constraints

Rules ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data.

Logical Inference Rules

Rules that derive conclusions based on existing facts and conditions.

Incompleteness

When a decision logic model fails to account for all possible scenarios.

Impossible Situations

Logical scenarios that cannot realistically occur.

Contradictions

Conflicting rules or conditions within a decision model.

Redundancy

Unnecessary repetition of rules or conditions that do not add value to the decision process.

Horizontal Balancing

A technique to ensure consistency and eliminate redundancies across different parts of a decision logic model.

Extended Entry Table

A decision table with multiple alternatives for each condition, beyond simple yes/no scenarios.

Prewritten Code

Existing, reusable software code that can be directly incorporated into a system.

Logic Method Reference

A pointer or documentation that provides detailed explanation of a specific logical process.

Unresolved Issues

Incomplete or unclear portions of a process specification that require further investigation or clarification.

Metadata

Information about data that describes its characteristics, context, and usage.

Data Truncation

Cutting off data when an element's length is too short.

Default Value

A pre-selected value displayed on entry screens to reduce manual input.

Ajax

A web development technique using JavaScript and XML to obtain small amounts of data from a server without reloading the entire web page.

Content Management Systems (CMSs)

Software tools that help develop and maintain websites and online applications.

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)

A style sheet language used for describing the presentation of a document written in HTML or XML.

Extensible Style Language Transformations (XSLT)

A technology that allows transformation of XML documents into various formats.

End User License Agreement (EULA)

A legal contract between a software developer and the user of the software, defining the rights and restrictions of software usage.

Flat Web Design

A minimalistic approach to web design that is clean, two-dimensional, and simple, focusing on essential elements.

Green IT Initiatives

Environmentally friendly approaches to information technology that aim to reduce paper usage and promote electronic alternatives.

Infographics

Visual representations that combine numbers, charts, and graphs to communicate data more effectively than words or tables.

Internal Output

Information and reports that remain within a business or organization.

Megamenus

Large, expanded navigation menus that display multiple levels of content when activated.

Output

Information delivered to users through various media such as printed reports, computer screens, or audio.

Responsive Web Design

An approach to web design that ensures websites can be viewed and used effectively on any device, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Skeuomorphic Design

A design approach where digital objects are made to look realistic and three-dimensional, mimicking their real-world counterparts.

Social Bookmarking

A method of tagging or saving web pages to a public website and 'tagging' them with keywords.

Tagging

The process of adding keywords or labels to online resources to make them easily searchable and categorizable.

Web 2.0 Technologies

Internet technologies that facilitate user-generated content, collaboration, and interaction, such as blogs, wikis, and social networks.

Wireframing

A design process that shows the basic structure of a web page or application, using simple placeholders for elements without color or detailed styling.

XML Schema

A precise method to define XML document content, specifying the exact number of times an element may occur and defining the type of data within elements.

Use Case Diagram

Describes how a system is used, showing interactions between actors and the system.

Activity Diagram

Illustrates the overall flow of activities, including sequential and parallel processes.

Sequence Diagram

Shows the time-ordered interactions between classes or object instances.

Class Diagram

Represents the static features of a system, showing classes, their attributes, methods, and relationships.

Statechart Diagram

Examines the different states an object may have throughout its lifecycle.

Entity Classes

Represent real-world items or data entities.

Interface/Boundary Classes

Provide means for users to interact with the system.

Abstract Classes

General classes that cannot be directly instantiated, used as base classes for more specific classes.

Control Classes

Manage and control the flow of activities within a system.

=

Means 'is composed of'.

+

Means 'and'.

{}

Represents repetitive elements.

[]

Indicates an either/or situation.

()

Denotes an optional element.

AJAX

Asynchronous JavaScript and XML

GUI

Graphical User Interface

Input Design

The process of creating input methods and interfaces for collecting user data

Form Flow

The logical progression of filling out a form from top to bottom and left to right

Breadcrumb Trail

A navigational aid showing the user's current location within a website or application

Text Box

An input field for entering text or numeric data

Check Box

A GUI element allowing multiple non-exclusive selections

Option Button

A GUI control for mutually exclusive selections (also called radio buttons)

Datalist

A drop-down list of predefined suggestions to assist user input