CodeHS Software Development and App Development Accreditations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the role of an API (Application Programming Interface) in software development?
- It compiles source code into machine code
- It defines how software components communicate with each other (Correct answer)
- It manages database transactions
- It renders user interface elements
Correct answer: It defines how software components communicate with each other
An API provides a set of rules and protocols for how different software programs can interact.
Question 2: In CodeHS Python, what keyword is used to define a function?
- function
- define
- def (Correct answer)
- func
Correct answer: def
Python uses the 'def' keyword followed by the function name to define a function.
Question 3: What does 'responsive design' mean in web and app development?
- The app responds quickly to server requests
- The app layout adapts to different screen sizes and devices (Correct answer)
- The UI responds to voice commands
- The app validates user input in real time
Correct answer: The app layout adapts to different screen sizes and devices
Responsive design ensures the UI looks and functions well on screens of various sizes, from phones to desktops.
Question 4: Which software development methodology delivers work in short, iterative cycles called sprints?
- Waterfall
- Agile/Scrum (Correct answer)
- Big Bang
- V-Model
Correct answer: Agile/Scrum
Agile/Scrum divides work into sprints (typically 1–4 weeks) with continuous review and adaptation.
Question 5: In app development, what is a 'wireframe'?
- A completed visual design with final colors and fonts
- A low-fidelity sketch showing the layout and structure of a screen (Correct answer)
- A backend API schema
- A database entity-relationship diagram
Correct answer: A low-fidelity sketch showing the layout and structure of a screen
Wireframes are simple, blueprint-like sketches used to plan screen layout before visual design begins.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes a 'null pointer exception' in software development?
- A function returns the wrong data type
- Code attempts to use a variable that references no object (Correct answer)
- A loop runs one too many iterations
- An array index exceeds its bounds
Correct answer: Code attempts to use a variable that references no object
A null pointer exception occurs when code tries to call methods or access properties on a null (empty) reference.
Question 7: What does CI/CD stand for in modern software development?
- Code Inspection / Code Delivery
- Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment (Correct answer)
- Component Interface / Component Design
- Coded Implementation / Coded Debugging
Correct answer: Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment
CI/CD automates building, testing, and deploying code to catch bugs early and ship updates frequently.
CodeHS Software Development and App Development Accreditations 3
What is the role of an API (Application Programming Interface) in software development?