ITF+ Software Development Concepts Flashcards

A developer is creating a plan for a new application's logic before writing any actual code in a specific programming language. The developer uses a simplified, English-like notation to outline the steps of the algorithm. Which of the following is being used?

Answer: Pseudocode

Pseudocode is an informal, high-level description of the operating principle of a computer program or other algorithm. It uses the structural conventions of a normal programming language but is intended for human reading rather than machine reading.

A programmer writes a script in a language that is translated and executed line-by-line by another program every time the script is run. Which category of programming language is being used?

Answer: Interpreted language

Interpreted languages are processed by an interpreter, which reads and executes the source code line by line without a separate compilation step. This contrasts with compiled languages, which are translated into machine code before execution.

Which of the following fundamental programming logic structures is used to execute a block of code only if a specific condition is true?

Answer: Selection (Conditional)

The selection, or conditional, structure allows a program to make a decision and follow a different path based on whether a condition is true or false (e.g., using if-then-else statements). Sequence executes steps in order, and loops repeat steps.

A software development team is working on a large, complex project with well-defined requirements that are unlikely to change. They decide to use a development model where each phase must be fully completed before the next begins. Which software development model does this scenario describe?

Answer: Waterfall

The Waterfall model is a sequential software development process in which progress flows steadily downwards (like a waterfall) through the phases of conception, initiation, analysis, design, construction, testing, deployment, and maintenance. This model is best suited for projects with stable and well-understood requirements.

In object-oriented programming, what is the concept of bundling data (attributes) and the methods (functions) that operate on that data into a single unit or 'object'?

Answer: Encapsulation

Encapsulation is a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming (OOP). It refers to the bundling of data with the methods that operate on that data, and restricting direct access to some of an object's components.

A developer needs to repeat a specific set of instructions exactly 100 times. Which programming logic structure would be the most efficient way to accomplish this?

Answer: A loop structure

A loop structure, also known as iteration, is used to execute a block of code repeatedly. For a task that needs to be performed a fixed number of times, a 'for' loop is a perfect and efficient choice.