Software Development: Data and Problem-Solving

Study Notes

Characteristics of data types
Types of data structures:
- Associative arrays (dictionaries or hash tables)
- One-dimensional arrays (single data type, integer index)
- Records (varying data types, field index)
Approaches to problem-solving:
- Methods for documenting a problem, need, or opportunity
- Methods for determining solution requirements, constraints, and scope
- Methods of representing designs:
  - Data dictionaries
  - Mock-ups
  - Object descriptions
  - Pseudocode
File formats:
- Delimited (CSV)
- Plain text (TXT)
- XML
Programming language features:
- Classes
- Control structures
- Functions
- Instructions
- Methods
Algorithms:
- Sorting (selection sort, quick sort)
- Binary and linear searching
Validation techniques:
- Existence checking
- Range checking
- Type checking
Internal documentation:
- Meaningful comments
- Syntax

Digital systems:
- Security considerations (authentication, data protection)
Data and information:
- Techniques for collecting data (interviews, observation, reports, surveys)
Approaches to problem-solving:
- Functional and non-functional requirements
- Constraints (economic, legal, social, technical, usability)
- Factors determining solution scope
- Software requirement specifications
- Tools and techniques for depicting interfaces:
  - Use case diagrams (UML)
  - Context diagrams
  - Data flow diagrams
Design ideas:
- Techniques for generating ideas
- Criteria for evaluating alternative designs
Development models:
- Agile
- Spiral
- Waterfall
Project management:
- Gantt charts
- Task identification and sequencing
- Time allocation
- Dependencies
- Milestones
- Critical path

Digital systems:
- Procedures for handling and managing files and data
- Security considerations
Data and information:
- Storage media and transmission technologies
- Organisation of files affecting data access
- Uses of data structures
Approaches to problem-solving:
- Processing features of a programming language
- Characteristics of efficient and effective solutions
- Techniques for checking solution designs
- Validation techniques
- Testing usability and documenting test results
Project management:
- Recording project progress
- Adjusting tasks and timeframes
- Evaluating development models
Software solution evaluation:
- Criteria for evaluating efficiency and effectiveness
- Assessing project plans

Digital systems:
- Physical and software security controls
- Software auditing and testing strategies
- Types of software security vulnerabilities
- Types of web application risks
Data and information:
- Characteristics of data with integrity
Interactions and impact:
- Reasons for software development
- Key legislation affecting data control and communication
- Ethical issues in software development
- Evaluating software development security strategies
- Risk management strategies for minimizing security vulnerabilities