ITC515 Professional Programming Practice (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Computing (COMPU)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject introduces students to aspects of professional programming practice related to the production of quality software.
The subject covers techniques of debugging and testing, along with advanced programming topics such as correct use of exceptions, assertions, and refactoring. It also addresses modern approaches to programming such as 'test first programming', and 'programming by contract'. Finally it introduces sound development practices such as version control, and the use of in-line program documentation utilities.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Distance | Bathurst |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ITC515
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Prerequisite(s):
Enrolment restrictions:
Only for students enrolled in the Master of Systems Development
Not available to students who have completed ITC205 Professional Programming Practice
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- To be able to demonstrate and apply fundamental aspects of professional programming practice (such as effective teamwork, version control and coding conventions)
- Be able to demonstrate and apply the correct use of advanced programming techniques (such as refactoring and correct use of exceptions and assertions )
- To describe and apply the process of scientific debugging
- To be able to analyse and correct logical errors in a program
- Be able to explain the purpose and limitations of software testing
- Design and implement an appropriate suite of software tests to support the complete system development life cycle
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- Introduction - the need for quality software, quality frameworks
- Approaches to Programming - defensive programming, test first development, programming by contract, continuous delivery
- Basic Debugging - trace statements, error messages, stack traces
- Intermediate Debugging - walkthroughs, inspections, breakpoints
- Basic Testing - requirements and acceptance criteria, limitations, selection of test data, types of testing
- Intermediate Testing 1 - unit test frameworks, unit testing
- Intermediate Testing 2 - integration, system, deployment, and user acceptance testing
- Basic Version Control - the need for version control, version control systems
- Intermediate Version Control - update-commit, branching, merging, snapshots
- Coding Techniques 1 - assertions and exceptions, memory management
- Coding Techniques 2 - refactoring and patterns
- Coding Techniques 3 - conventions and coding standards, language idioms, in-line documentation
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.