(a) (i) identify Figure 1. (ii) Name the parts labeled I, J, K and L in Figure 1 (b)(i) Define the documentation stage in Program Development Life Cycle. (i...

Answer Details

(a)(i) Identification of Figure 1

Figure 1 is a flowchart (program flowchart). It is a diagrammatic representation of the sequence of steps and logic used to solve a problem, in which each type of operation is shown by a distinct standard symbol connected by directed flowlines. The diagram begins and ends with an oval (terminal) symbol, which confirms it is a flowchart.

(a)(ii) Names of the labelled parts

(The oval at the bottom is again a terminal symbol marking the Stop of the program, and the arrows are the flowlines showing the direction of flow.)

(b)(i) Definition of the documentation stage

The documentation stage of the Program Development Life Cycle is the phase in which all written records, descriptions and instructions concerning the program are prepared and compiled. It produces materials such as the problem definition, algorithm/flowchart, source-code listing with comments, test data and results, and the user manual. Its purpose is to explain how the program was developed and how it is to be used and maintained, so that users can operate it correctly and programmers can understand, correct or modify it later.

(b)(ii) Three characteristics of a good computer program

1. Accuracy (correctness): it produces correct and reliable results for all valid inputs.
2. Reliability and robustness: it runs without failing and handles invalid or unexpected data gracefully (error handling).
3. Readability and maintainability: it is well structured, clearly written and documented so it can be easily understood and modified.

(Other acceptable characteristics include efficiency in use of time and memory, portability, and user-friendliness.)