Assessor Resource

ICTPRG503
Debug and monitor applications

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to debug and monitor a software application.

It applies to individuals who work as developers, testers and support engineers, using logging and tracing techniques to identify software problems and to monitor systems.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Implement a framework for logging and error handling

1.1 Determine the logging framework for writing text messages at a certain level or priority to log files, or for sending data to monitoring applications

1.2 Create a custom event log for an application

1.3 Analyse the logs to check the state of the running application

2. Debug and trace an application

2.1 Apply basic debugging techniques such as breakpoints, stepping through and over code, and stack trace

2.2 Identify and use the tools to debug software applications

2.3 Write the code for debugging (print, assert and stop statements)

3. Monitor the application’s performance

3.1 Identify and use profiling tools to verify the parts of the system that consume the most resources, such as random access memory (RAM), central processing unit (CPU) and time

3.2 Analyse performance issues, and apply any changes to improve the performance of the application

Evidence of the ability to:

use a logging framework to create an event log for an application

use tools and techniques to trace and debug an application

use profiling tools to collect data about an application's performance, identify and analyse identified issues and implement changes to improve performance.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

provide examples of common logging frameworks. logging and tracing tools, and profiling tools

explain the functions of profiling tools, and logging and tracing tools

explain the basic principles of:

computer hardware, networking and components

database-management systems

object-oriented programming

open-source development tools

describe procedures for developing small-size applications

outline the software development life cycle (SDLC).

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the programming and software development industry, and include access to:

sufficient privileges to use performance monitoring tools on client and server system

specific debugging tools and licenses, depending on the particular platform.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Implement a framework for logging and error handling

1.1 Determine the logging framework for writing text messages at a certain level or priority to log files, or for sending data to monitoring applications

1.2 Create a custom event log for an application

1.3 Analyse the logs to check the state of the running application

2. Debug and trace an application

2.1 Apply basic debugging techniques such as breakpoints, stepping through and over code, and stack trace

2.2 Identify and use the tools to debug software applications

2.3 Write the code for debugging (print, assert and stop statements)

3. Monitor the application’s performance

3.1 Identify and use profiling tools to verify the parts of the system that consume the most resources, such as random access memory (RAM), central processing unit (CPU) and time

3.2 Analyse performance issues, and apply any changes to improve the performance of the application

Evidence of the ability to:

use a logging framework to create an event log for an application

use tools and techniques to trace and debug an application

use profiling tools to collect data about an application's performance, identify and analyse identified issues and implement changes to improve performance.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

provide examples of common logging frameworks. logging and tracing tools, and profiling tools

explain the functions of profiling tools, and logging and tracing tools

explain the basic principles of:

computer hardware, networking and components

database-management systems

object-oriented programming

open-source development tools

describe procedures for developing small-size applications

outline the software development life cycle (SDLC).

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the programming and software development industry, and include access to:

sufficient privileges to use performance monitoring tools on client and server system

specific debugging tools and licenses, depending on the particular platform.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Determine the logging framework for writing text messages at a certain level or priority to log files, or for sending data to monitoring applications 
Create a custom event log for an application 
Analyse the logs to check the state of the running application 
Apply basic debugging techniques such as breakpoints, stepping through and over code, and stack trace 
Identify and use the tools to debug software applications 
Write the code for debugging (print, assert and stop statements) 
Identify and use profiling tools to verify the parts of the system that consume the most resources, such as random access memory (RAM), central processing unit (CPU) and time 
Analyse performance issues, and apply any changes to improve the performance of the application 
Identify and use profiling tools to verify the parts of the system that consume the most resources, such as random access memory (RAM), central processing unit (CPU) and time 
Analyse performance issues, and apply any changes to improve the performance of the application 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICTPRG503 - Debug and monitor applications
Assessment task 1: [title]

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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Assessment Record Sheet

ICTPRG503 - Debug and monitor applications

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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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