{"id":791,"date":"2015-06-04T13:33:40","date_gmt":"2015-06-04T13:33:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/nl\/ColtnessHS-ComputingScience\/?p=791"},"modified":"2015-06-05T12:58:12","modified_gmt":"2015-06-05T12:58:12","slug":"higher-old-glossary-software-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/nl\/ColtnessHS-ComputingScience\/2015\/06\/04\/higher-old-glossary-software-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Higher (old) Glossary – Software Development"},"content":{"rendered":"
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GLOSSARY \u2013 SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT<\/h1>\n<\/header>\n

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Head on over to quizlet <\/a>to test your knowledge<\/p>\n

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Term<\/strong><\/td>\nDescription<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Acceptance testing<\/strong><\/td>\nTesting of software outside the development organisation and usually at the client site.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adaptive maintenance<\/strong><\/td>\nTakes place when a program\u2019s environment changes, for example a different operating system.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Algorithm<\/strong><\/td>\nA detailed sequence of steps which, when followed, will accomplish a task.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alpha testing<\/strong><\/td>\nTesting of software within the development organisation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Beta testing<\/strong><\/td>\nTesting of software outside the development organisation using clients or selected members of the public.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bottom-up design<\/strong><\/td>\nA method of program refinement that starts with individual modules and builds them up into a complete program.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Boundary testing<\/strong><\/td>\nRunning a program with test data that represents the extreme upper and lower values. Within this range the program should operate normally.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bugs<\/strong><\/td>\nA bug is a program error.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bytecode<\/strong><\/td>\nThis is produced by JavaScript and is a form of machine code that runs under the Java virtual environment. The latter is freeware and enables any computer to run Java programs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Client<\/strong><\/td>\nThe person or group that initiates the development process by specifying a problem .<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Compiler<\/strong><\/td>\nA program that translates a complete high level language program into an independent machine code program.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Concatenation<\/strong><\/td>\nJoining of Visual Basic string variables to make longer strings using the \u2019&\u2019 operator.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Corrective maintenance<\/strong><\/td>\nCorrection of previously undetected errors during development that is now apparent after installation of the software on the client site.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
COTS<\/strong><\/td>\nCommercial Off The Shelf software. An alternative software development system that allows programmers to purchase ready-made software. Can be an expensive option.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Data<\/strong><\/td>\nUnstructured information. A collection of numeric or alphanumeric characters which can be processed by a computer. Raw data is meaningless to people.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Database<\/strong><\/td>\nAn organised and structured collection of related data.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Data modeling<\/strong><\/td>\nA process used in object oriented languages that identifies objects, how they relate to one another and their manipulation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Debugging<\/strong><\/td>\nThe detection, location and removal of errors in a program.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Declarative language<\/strong><\/td>\nProgrammers use this type of language to specify what the problem is rather than how to solve it by writing code. The language uses facts and rules to express relationships.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Desk checking<\/strong><\/td>\nAkin to a dry run where the running of a program is checked without a computer.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Development team<\/strong><\/td>\nGeneric description of the personnel involved in developing the software solution.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dry run<\/strong><\/td>\nA pen and paper exercise to debug a program.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Event driven<\/strong><\/td>\nA system that responds to an external event such as mouse click or a key press.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Event driven language<\/strong><\/td>\nAn event driven language that is designed to handle external events like interrupts, mouse clicks etc<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Exceptions testing<\/strong><\/td>\nTesting the robustness of a program by entering silly data \u2013 character data instead of numeric data, excessive values etc.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Executable code<\/strong><\/td>\nIndependent machine code that can be run without translation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Exhaustive testing<\/strong><\/td>\nComplete testing of a program under every conceivable condition. An expensive method time-wise.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Explicit declaration<\/strong><\/td>\nEach variable, for example is declared unambiguously by the user so there is much less room for error in running programs Visual basic.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Feedback<\/strong><\/td>\nA looping system where information is fed back in to a computer system. Previous output becomes new input.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fit for purpose<\/strong><\/td>\nThe finished program runs to specification and is robust and reliable.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Function<\/strong><\/td>\nA block of code like a procedure but a value is returned when the function is used.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Functional language<\/strong><\/td>\nA language that utilises the evaluation of expressions rather than the execution of commands. It is based on the use of functions from which new functions can be created.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Functional specification<\/strong><\/td>\nThis will detail how the developed program will behave under specified conditions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
General purpose language<\/strong><\/td>\nThe language can be used to program solutions covering a broad range of situations.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
High-level language<\/strong><\/td>\nA language designed to be easily understood by programmers. They use commands and instructions based on English words or phrases.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Human computer interface<\/strong><\/td>\nAllows the program to interact with the outside world. The interface is the only part of the program that users see.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Implicit declaration<\/strong><\/td>\nIf a variable, for example is not fully declared by the user then it is given default attributes by the Visual Basic language.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Independent test group<\/strong><\/td>\nTesting of software by a group out with the development team.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Inheritance<\/strong><\/td>\nThe sharing of characteristics between a class of object and a newly created sub class. This allows code re-use by extending an existing class.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Intermediate code<\/strong><\/td>\nA form of compiled code that is specifically produced for a target computer.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internal commentary<\/strong><\/td>\nThe use of comments within source code to describe what it does.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internal documentation<\/strong><\/td>\nThe use of comments within source code to describe what it does.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Interpreter<\/strong><\/td>\nA program that translates a high level program line by line, which it then tries to execute. No independent object code is produced.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Iterative<\/strong><\/td>\nAn iterative process is one that incorporates feedback and involves an element of repetition.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Jackson<\/strong> Structured Programming<\/strong><\/td>\nA diagrammatic design method for small programs that focuses on sequence, selection and iteration.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Java<\/strong><\/td>\nA language designed by Sun Microsystems. The language is portable because Java interpreters are available for a wide range of platforms.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Keyword<\/strong><\/td>\nA reserved word with a special meaning in a computer language. For example for, if, dim in Visual Basic.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Legal contract<\/strong><\/td>\nA contract set up between client and development team, the details of which are set out in the requirements specification which becomes legally binding should anything go wrong.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lexical analysis<\/strong><\/td>\nPart of the compilation process where the source code is tokenised into symbols and stored in the symbol table.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Linear search<\/strong><\/td>\nA standard algorithm that perform a sequential search on a list of data items.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Machine code<\/strong><\/td>\nNative computer code that can be understood without translation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Macro<\/strong><\/td>\nA block of code that automates a repetitive task. Rather like a batch file they are normally created within an application then run by activating a key press combination or clicking on an icon.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maintenance<\/strong><\/td>\nThe upkeep of a program by repair and modification.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Methodology<\/strong><\/td>\nA technique involving various notations that enables the design of software to be implemented.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Module library<\/strong><\/td>\nA module library includes code for standard algorithms that can be re-used by programmers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Normal operation<\/strong><\/td>\nRunning of a program under expected normal conditions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Object<\/strong><\/td>\nA data item that can be manipulated by a computer system, for example a database record or a file.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Object oriented design<\/strong><\/td>\nA method that centres on objects and the operations that can be performed on them.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Object-oriented language<\/strong><\/td>\nAn object-oriented computer language like Java that uses objects rather than actions and data rather than logic. An object is represented by a class that can be extended to involve inheritance.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Optimised<\/strong><\/td>\nRefinement of code to make it more efficient.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Parameter<\/strong><\/td>\nAn argument of a procedure or function that represents a local variable.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Parameter passing<\/strong><\/td>\nThe mechanism by which data is passed to and from procedures and the main program.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Perfective maintenance<\/strong><\/td>\nTakes place when a system has to be enhanced in some way e.g. program run faster.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Portable<\/strong><\/td>\nThe ability of a program to run on different machine architectures with different operating systems.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Problem oriented<\/strong><\/td>\nThe focus is on the problem and how it is to be solved rather than on the hardware on which the program will run.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Problem specification<\/strong><\/td>\nA document outline of what is to be solved in terms of programming a solution to a given problem.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Procedural language<\/strong><\/td>\nAlso known as imperative languages because the programs follow a sequence of steps until they terminate. The code is made up of procedures and functions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Procedure<\/strong><\/td>\nA block of code that, when called from within a program will perform a specific action.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Process<\/strong><\/td>\nAn activity that is performed by a piece of software,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Programming team<\/strong><\/td>\nA section of the development team responsible for the coding, testing, implementation and maintenance of the software.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Project manager<\/strong><\/td>\nA member of the development team who is responsible for the supervision of the project. The main tasks are to keep the project on schedule and within budget.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pseudo-code<\/strong><\/td>\nA notation combining natural language and code used to represent the detailed logic of a program i.e. algorithmic notation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
RAD<\/strong><\/td>\nRapid Application Development. An alternative software development model that uses event driven languages for its implementation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Recursion<\/strong><\/td>\nA programming technique that is iterative in that a procedure or function can call itself. It is very demanding of computer memory.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reference parameter<\/strong><\/td>\nHere the address of the actual parameter is accessed by the formal parameter. Information is passed OUT from the procedure to the main program.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reliable<\/strong><\/td>\nA program is reliable if it runs well and is never brought to a halt by a design flaw.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Repetition<\/strong><\/td>\nA process that repeats itself a finite number of times or until a certain condition is met.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Requirements specification<\/strong><\/td>\nA document describing what the system must be able to do in order to meet user requirements.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Robust<\/strong><\/td>\nA program is robust if it can cope with problems that come from outside and are not of its own making.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Scripting language<\/strong><\/td>\nUsed for writing small programs or scripts that enhances existing software. The best example is JavaScript which is used to enhance web pages.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Semantics<\/strong><\/td>\nSemantics is the meaning of a statement in a given language.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Simulation<\/strong><\/td>\nReplication of a process by computer that would not be possible to do manually. For example studying the projected traffic analysis of an airport or throwing a die many hundreds of times.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Software development environment<\/strong><\/td>\nThe high level language programming environment that offers tools and techniques to design and implement a software solution.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Software development process<\/strong><\/td>\nA series of stages involving defined methods to produce a software project according to an initial specification.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Software engineering<\/strong><\/td>\nA sphere of computing where the emphasis is on the development of high quality, cost effective software produced on schedule and within agreed costs.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Source code<\/strong><\/td>\nThe code for a program written in a high level language. This code is then translated into machine code.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Special purpose language<\/strong><\/td>\nLanguages designed for specific tasks such as prolog for artificial intelligence or C for writing operating systems.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Specification<\/strong><\/td>\nA document outlining the program requirements set by the client.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SSADM<\/strong><\/td>\nStructured Analysis and Design Model. An alternative to the waterfall model that deals only with the analysis and design phases of software development.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard algorithm<\/strong><\/td>\nAn algorithm that appears over and over again in many programs. Also called common algorithms.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stepwise refinement<\/strong><\/td>\nSimilar to top-down design of sectioning a large and complex system into smaller and more easily manageable components.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Structure charts<\/strong><\/td>\nA diagrammatic method of designing a solution to solve a software problem.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Structured data<\/strong><\/td>\nData that is organised in some way, for example an array or database.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Structured listing<\/strong><\/td>\nProgram listing clearly showing the modules involved complete with commentary and meaningful variable and procedure names.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stub<\/strong><\/td>\nA temporary addition to a program used to assist with the testing process.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Symbol table<\/strong><\/td>\nPart of the compilation process where the tokens created by the lexical analysis phase are stored.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Syntax<\/strong><\/td>\nSyntax means structure or grammar of a statement in a given language<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Systems analyst<\/strong><\/td>\nThe person responsible for analysing and determining whether a task is suitable for pursuit using a computer. They are also responsible for the design of the computer systems.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Systems developer<\/strong><\/td>\nAnother name for a systems analyst.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Systems specification<\/strong><\/td>\nAn indication of the hardware and software required to run the developed program effectively. It will be the basis of subsequent stages which prepare a working program.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Technical guide<\/strong><\/td>\nDocumentation intended for people using a system containing information on how to install software and details system requirements such as processor, memory and backing storage.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Test data<\/strong><\/td>\nData that is used to test whether software works properly and that it is reliable and robust.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Testing<\/strong><\/td>\nRunning a program with test data to ensure a program is reliable and robust.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Test log<\/strong><\/td>\nA record of how a program responds to various inputs.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Test plan<\/strong><\/td>\nA strategy that involves testing software under verifying conditions and inputs.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Top-down design<\/strong><\/td>\nA design approach of sectioning a large and complex system into smaller and more easily manageable components.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trace facility<\/strong><\/td>\nA method used to debug a program by tracing the change in values of the variables as the program is run.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Traditional model<\/strong><\/td>\nAn alternative name for the waterfall model that details the seven stages of program development.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Unusual user activity<\/strong><\/td>\nRunning a program with exceptional data.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
User guide<\/strong><\/td>\nA document intended for people using a system containing information on how to use the software.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Value parameter<\/strong><\/td>\nHere a copy of the actual parameter is passed in to the formal parameter. Information is passed IN to the procedure form the main program.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Waterfall model<\/strong><\/td>\nOne of the earliest models for software development that incorporates 7 stages from analysis to implementation and maintenance.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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