Develop Code
Overview
Getting a program to run is only the first hurdle. A program that produces the right answer for one test case, crashes on the next, and is unreadable to anyone but the person who wrote it, is not finished. Developing code properly means writing it clearly, testing it deliberately, and knowing exactly how to read the error messages Python gives you when something goes wrong.
This lesson covers the whole development cycle examined on both papers: writing readable Python, telling syntax, runtime and logic errors apart, designing a proper test plan, using trace tables to hunt down a bug, and judging a finished program's strengths and weaknesses. Every example uses Python, one of the three languages, alongside C# and Java, permitted for the Paper 2 practical exam.
Objectives
- Be able to write programs in a high-level programming language
- Understand the benefit of producing programs that are easy to read and be able to use techniques (comments, descriptive names, indentation) to improve readability and to explain how the code works
- Be able to differentiate between types of error in programs (logic, syntax, runtime)
- Be able to design and use test plans and test data (normal, boundary, erroneous)
- Be able to interpret error messages and identify, locate and fix errors in a program
- Be able to determine what value a variable will hold at a given point in a program (trace table)
- Be able to determine the strengths and weaknesses of a program and suggest improvements
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Develop Code. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which type of error prevents a program from running at all? A) Logic error B) Runtime error C) Syntax error D) Boundary error Answer: C
- A program runs without crashing but consistently produces the wrong output. What type of error is this? A) Syntax error B) Runtime error C) Logic error D) Compilation error Answer: C
- Which category of test data checks the exact edge of a valid range? A) Normal data B) Boundary data C) Erroneous data D) Random data Answer: B
- A function tries to access index 10 of a list that only has 5 items. What type of error does this cause? A) Syntax error B) Runtime error C) Logic error D) No error, this is valid Answer: B
- Which of these is a readability technique that does NOT change what a program computes? A) Using descriptive variable names B) Adding a missing loop C) Changing the algorithm used D) Adding an extra test case Answer: A
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
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Practice Mock Questions
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