Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out intermediate programming activities involving coding, debugging and testing of code, and creating applications using different programming languages.
It applies to those who are programmers in a variety of fields and are required to conduct programming activities and produce software programs.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Establish task requirements and define data structures and code | 1.1 Establish user requirements and specifications 1.2 Design, define and use data structures that are aggregate of other data types 1.3 Code using user-defined data structures 1.4 Create, manipulate and destroy dynamic variables, including data structures, using facilities in language |
2. Code using standard algorithms | 2.1 Code using modular programming approach, including pass-by-reference parameter passing 2.2 Create and manipulate 2-D data structures using code 2.3 Create and maintain sorted data structures and use language-provided facilities 2.4 Code using simple binary search technique 2.5 Code binary file-handling solutions using random-access algorithms |
3. Debug, document and test code | 3.1 Use stand-alone debugging tools and tools provided by integrated development environment (IDE) 3.2 Trace code execution and examine variable contents using debugger 3.3 Develop and document maintainable code according to organisational guidelines and coding standards 3.4 Apply internal documentation to code using documentation tools available in target language 3.5 Design and document tests according to organisational guidelines 3.6 Test produced code and confirm compliance with program specification 3.7 Capture and record test results |
4. Develop, test and document files and application | 4.1 Build application according to user requirement 4.2 Access multiple source-code files 4.3 Employ integrated development environment (IDE) project maintenance facilities and automate program building using created files 4.4 Develop program specification solution according to coding standards 4.5 Design algorithm and document, construct and test applications according to problem description using target language 4.6 Document completed application according to organisational procedures |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:
design and build an application in response to user requirements and specifications.
In the course of the above, the candidate must:
code using user-defined data structures and standard algorithms
develop a maintainable code
design a test for code and record and document test results
produce a technical documentation of activities and completed application.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:
dynamic variables
modular programming approach to coding
medium-size application development processes
data structures including but not limited to:
lists
arrays
linked lists
stack
queues
trees
graphs
sets
hash tables
random-access algorithms
user-defined data structures
project maintenance and required language-provided facilities
development methodologies and their application
organisational guidelines and coding standards applicable to applying intermediate programming skills
programming methodologies
documentation techniques and tools within target languages that may be used to apply intermediate programming skills in different languages
debugging tools and methodologies
code testing procedures.
Assessment Conditions
Skills in this unit must be demonstrated in a workplace or simulated environment where the conditions are typical of those in a working environment in this industry.
This includes access to:
an integrated development environment (IDE) for determined language and its tools and licenses
coding standards
user requirements and specifications
technical requirements
required hardware and its components.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
Reading | Interprets and applies applicable strategies and constructs meaning from texts relating to organisational guidelines and coding standards |
Writing | Prepares required documentation expressing ideas and information for specific audiences according to organisational procedures Writes and edits code and technical data in a logical manner using required syntax |
Problem solving | Decides on a course of action using analytical processes Identifies possible solutions to difficult problems using a systematic process |
Self-management | Takes personal responsibility and follows explicit and implicit policies, procedures and industry standards Uses systematic processes, setting goals, gathering required information and identifying and evaluating options against agreed criteria |
Technology | Interprets key principles and concepts underpinning the design and operation of digital systems and tools |
Sectors
Programming and software development