Level 4 HTQ Computing – Module 4 – Higher level programming and software development (MAP)

Programming involves describing processes and procedures that are derived from algorithms. The ability to program is what sets apart a developer and an end user. Typically, the role of the developer is to instruct a device (such as a computer) to carry out instructions; the instructions are known as source code and are written in a language that is converted into something the device can understand. The device executes the instructions it is given. Algorithms help to describe the solution to a problem or task by identifying the data and the process needed to represent the problem or task and the set of steps needed to produce the desired result. Programming languages typically provide the representation of both the data and the process; they provide control constructs and data types (which can be numbers, words and objects, and be constant or variable). The control constructs are used to represent the steps of an algorithm in a convenient yet unambiguous fashion. Algorithms require constructs that can perform sequential processing, selection for decision making and iteration for repetitive control. Any programming language that provides these basic features can be used for algorithm representation.

This unit introduces students to the core concepts of programming along with an introduction to algorithms and the characteristics of programming paradigms. Among the topics included in this unit are: introduction to algorithms, procedural, object orientated and event-driven programming, security considerations, the integrated development environment and the debugging process.

The software development lifecycle is an integrated process that promotes building good quality, secure software throughout the entire development process. The aim of this unit is to give students the knowledge and skills needed to understand software development lifecycles so that they can demonstrate their knowledge by implementing a software development lifecycle with a suitable methodology.

The unit introduces students to lifecycle decision making at different stages of the software development process. They will examine various lifecycle models and learn to appreciate their particular characteristics in order to understand for which project environments they are most appropriate. Theoretical understanding will be translated into practical skills through an actual software development lifecycle project. Students will become confident in the use of particular tools and techniques relevant to a chosen methodology.