Development Life Cycle

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Notes

Program Development Life Cycle

The **program development life cycle** is a structured approach to creating software.
It consists of stages: **Analysis**, **Design**, **Coding**, **Testing**, and **Maintenance**.
Each stage produces outputs that feed into the next stage.

Analysis

The **analysis** stage aims to precisely understand the problem the program must solve.
**Abstraction** is used to remove unimportant details and focus on **core functionality** and **requirements**.
A **requirements document** is created, defining each requirement with a description and **success criteria**.
Example of abstraction: London Underground map – shows connections, not geographical accuracy.

Design

The **design** stage produces a blueprint for the solution.
Design can be presented using **structure diagrams**, **flowcharts**, or **pseudocode**.
The design must match the requirements from the analysis stage.

Coding

Developers write code in a suitable programming language, creating modules that work together.
**Iterative testing** is performed: each module is tested and debugged as it is built.
Modules are retested when new modules are added to ensure correct interaction.

Testing

The complete program is run many times with varying sets of **test data**.
Testing ensures the program works as intended and rejects invalid input.
Example test data: alphanumeric sequences for password validation.

Maintenance

After delivery, the program may need updates to fix bugs or add features.
Maintenance ensures the program continues to meet user needs.

Stages of the program development life cycle shown as a series circuit.

Practice questions

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1.What is the first stage of the program development life cycle?
Easy
- AAnalysis
- BDesign
- CCoding
- DTesting
2.Which stage of the program development life cycle involves producing a blueprint for the solution?
Easy
- AAnalysis
- BDesign
- CCoding
- DTesting
3.What is the purpose of the analysis stage?
Easy
- ATo write the program code
- BTo precisely understand the problem
- CTo test the final program
- DTo design the user interface
4.Which of the following is an example of abstraction?
Medium
- AWriting code in a high-level language
- BRemoving unimportant details from a problem
- CTesting each module individually
- DCreating a requirements document
5.What is the purpose of a requirements document?
Medium
- ATo list the program code
- BTo define the problem and break it down into clear parts
- CTo test the program
- DTo design the user interface
6.During which stage is iterative testing performed?
Medium
- AAnalysis
- BDesign
- CCoding
- DFinal testing
7.What does iterative testing involve?
Hard
- ATesting only the final program
- BTesting each module as it is developed and retesting when changes are made
- CTesting all modules at once after coding is complete
- DTesting only the user interface
8.Which type of test data would be used to test password validation?
Hard
- AOnly numeric data
- BOnly alphabetic data
- CAlphanumeric sequences
- DOnly special characters

More questions

9.What is the final stage of the program development life cycle?
Easy
- AAnalysis
- BDesign
- CCoding
- DTesting
10.Which of the following is NOT a way to present the design of a solution?
Medium
- AStructure diagrams
- BFlowchart
- CPseudocode
- DRequirements document
11.Why is abstraction used in the analysis stage?
Hard
- ATo make the code run faster
- BTo remove unimportant details and focus on core functionality
- CTo design the user interface
- DTo test the program
12.What is the purpose of success criteria in a requirements document?
Medium
- ATo describe how the program will be coded
- BTo state how to know when a requirement has been achieved
- CTo list the test data
- DTo design the program structure
13.A developer is creating a program to calculate the average temperature over a week. During which stage would they produce a flowchart showing the sequence of steps?
Medium
- AAnalysis
- BDesign
- CCoding
- DTesting
14.What is the purpose of a requirements document in the analysis stage?
Easy
- ATo write the program code
- BTo define the problem and break it down into clear parts
- CTo test the final program
- DTo design the user interface
15.A programmer is testing a login module by entering a valid username and password. What type of test data is this?
Medium
- ANormal
- BBoundary
- CInvalid
- DErroneous
16.After completing the coding stage, a team runs the entire program with a large set of test data. This is an example of:
Hard
- AIterative testing
- BFinal testing
- CUnit testing
- Dα testing
17.A school wants a program to store student grades. In the analysis stage, which of the following would be considered a success criterion?
Medium
- AThe program is written in Python
- BThe program can store grades for up to 1000 students
- CThe program uses a graphical user interface
- DThe program is tested by students
18.A program is being developed to calculate the area of a rectangle. During iterative testing, a developer notices that entering a negative length causes a crash. What should the developer do?
Hard
- AIgnore it because negative lengths are not expected
- BModify the module to reject negative values and retest
- CReport it as a final test issue
- DChange the requirements to allow negative lengths
19.Which of the following is an example of abstraction used during the analysis stage?
Medium
- AWriting code for the main menu
- BCreating a flowchart of the program logic
- CRemoving details about the specific database software when listing requirements
- DRunning test cases on the completed program
20.A program for a bank must handle withdrawals. Which set of test data would best test the withdrawal function?
Hard
- A100, 200, 300
- B0, 1, 1000
- C-50, 0, 500, 10000
- D5, 10, 15
21.During which stage are modules programmed and iteratively tested?
Medium
- AAnalysis
- BDesign
- CCoding
- DTesting
22.A requirements document includes a requirement: 'The system shall allow a user to log in with a username and password.' Which of the following is an appropriate success criterion for this requirement?
Medium
- AThe login screen is blue
- BThe login process takes less than 2 seconds
- CThe password is stored in plain text
- DThe system is written in Java
23.A programmer is testing a module that calculates the average of a list of numbers. They input the values 10, 20, 30, 40, 50. Which type of test data is this?
Medium
- ANormal data
- BBoundary data
- CInvalid data
- DErroneous data
24.During the design stage of the program development life cycle, which of the following is a technique used to present the design of a solution?
Medium
- AStructure diagram
- BRequirements document
- CSuccess criteria
- DIterative testing
25.A program is being developed to calculate the area of a rectangle. During iterative testing, a developer notices that entering a negative length causes a crash. What should the developer do next?
Hard
- AAdd validation to reject negative inputs
- BIgnore the issue because negative lengths are not expected
- CChange the formula to use absolute values
- DReport the issue to the testing team for final testing
26.What is the purpose of the analysis stage in the program development life cycle?
Easy
- ATo precisely understand the problem the program is intended to solve
- BTo produce a blueprint for the solution
- CTo write the code for the program
- DTo test the final program with real users
27.A requirements document includes: 'The system shall allow a user to log in with a username and password.' Which of the following is an appropriate success criterion for this requirement?
Hard
- AThe login screen will be blue
- BThe login process will take less than 2 seconds
- CThe program will be written in Java
- DThe program will have a help button
28.A program is being developed to calculate the area of a rectangle. During iterative testing, a developer notices that entering a negative length causes a crash. What type of test data would have caught this error?
Hard
- ANormal/valid
- BBoundary
- CInvalid/erroneous
- DLive data
29.A programmer is designing a solution for a library system. Which of the following is an example of abstraction used during the analysis stage?
Medium
- AIdentifying that books have titles, authors, and ISBNs, without considering the exact shelf location
- BWriting the full code for the book search feature
- CDrawing a detailed floor plan of the library building
- DListing every possible genre of book
30.A requirements document states: 'The system shall allow a user to borrow a book if they have no overdue items.' Which of the following is an appropriate success criterion for this requirement?
Medium
- AA user with no overdue items can borrow a book, and a user with overdue items is prevented from borrowing
- BThe system displays a list of all borrowed books
- CThe borrowing process takes less than 5 seconds
- DThe system stores the due date correctly
31.During the coding stage, a developer writes a module to calculate fines for overdue books. They test it with a book returned 3 days late and a fine of $0.50 per day. Which type of test data is this?
Hard
- ANormal data
- BBoundary data
- CInvalid data
- DExtreme data
32.A developer is testing a module that checks if a password is at least 8 characters long. They input 'Abc12345' (8 characters). This is an example of which type of test data?
Hard
- ABoundary data
- BNormal data
- CInvalid data
- DErroneous data
33.A team is developing a program to manage student grades. During which stage would they create a structure diagram showing the main modules and their relationships?
Medium
- ADesign
- BAnalysis
- CCoding
- DTesting
34.In the program development life cycle, what is the purpose of iterative testing?
Easy
- ATo test each module as it is developed and fix errors immediately
- BTo test the entire program only after all modules are complete
- CTo write the program code without any errors
- DTo gather requirements from the user
35.A school wants a program to store student grades. In the analysis stage, which of the following would be considered a success criterion for the requirement 'The system shall calculate the average grade for each student'?
Hard
- AWhen a student's grades are entered, the system displays the correct average calculated to two decimal places
- BThe system stores grades for at least 1000 students
- CThe system uses a secure login for teachers
- DThe system can export data to a spreadsheet
36.Which of the following is an example of abstraction used during the analysis stage of the program development life cycle?
Medium
- AFocusing on the inputs, outputs, and processes without considering the programming language
- BWriting the actual code for the program
- CTesting the program with sample data
- DDrawing a detailed flowchart of every step
37.During which stage of the program development life cycle is a requirements document created?
Easy
- AAnalysis
- BDesign
- CCoding
- DTesting
38.What is the purpose of the design stage in the program development life cycle?
Easy
- ATo produce a blueprint for the solution
- BTo write the program code
- CTo test the final program
- DTo understand the problem
39.Which of the following is a technique used to present the design of a solution?
Medium
- AStructure diagram
- BRequirements document
- CTest plan
- DUser manual
40.During the coding stage, what is iterative testing?
Hard
- ATesting each module thoroughly as it is programmed
- BRunning the entire program with a complete set of test data
- CCreating a test plan for the whole system
- DReviewing the requirements document for errors

Slides

Program Development Life Cycle

The program development life cycle is a structured process for creating software.
It consists of four main stages: Analysis, Design, Coding, and Testing.
Each stage builds on the previous one to ensure a successful solution.

Analysis Stage

The analysis stage aims to precisely understand the problem the program will solve.
Abstraction is used to remove unimportant details and focus on core functionality and requirements.
A requirements document is created, listing each requirement with a description and success criteria.

What is the main purpose of the analysis stage?

To write the program code
To understand the problem to be solved
To test the program
To design the user interface

Design Stage

The design stage creates a blueprint for the solution.
Designs can be presented using structure diagrams, flowcharts, or pseudocode.
This stage plans how the program will be structured and how modules will interact.

In the design stage, developers create a ____ for the solution using tools like structure diagrams, flowcharts, or pseudocode.

Coding Stage

Developers program modules in a suitable programming language.
Iterative testing is performed: each module is tested and debugged thoroughly.
Modules are retested as new modules are added to ensure they work together.

Which of these are true about the coding stage?

Modules are tested individually as they are developed.
Testing only happens after all modules are complete.
Iterative testing means testing and debugging each module as it is built.

Testing Stage

Once the whole program is created, it is run many times with varying test data.
Testing ensures the program works as intended and rejects invalid data.
Examples of test data include alphanumeric sequences for password validation.

What is the purpose of the testing stage?

To design the program
To write the code
To ensure the program works as intended
To create the requirements document

Summary of the Life Cycle

The four stages are: Analysis, Design, Coding, Testing.
Analysis: understand the problem and create requirements.
Design: plan the solution using diagrams or pseudocode.
Coding: write and iteratively test modules.
Testing: run the complete program with test data.

The four stages of the program development life cycle are: ____, Design, Coding, and Testing.

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