1. Apply language syntax and layout

1.1 Apply basic language syntax rules

1.2 Use language data types, operators and expressions to create clear and concise code

1.3 Apply variables and variable scope

1.4 Use library functions in a program

1.5 Use commenting to create clear meaning to code

2. Apply control structures

2.1 Apply language syntax for sequence, selection and iteration constructs

2.2 Use logical operators to create expressions for use in selection and iteration constructs

3. Code using standard algorithms

3.1 Develop algorithms that use the sequence, selection and iteration constructs

3.2 Create and use arrays

3.3 Code standard sequential access algorithms for reading and writing text files, including end-of-file detection loops

3.4 Apply string manipulation

4. Test code

4.1 Use debugging techniques to trace code execution and examine variable contents to detect and correct errors

4.2 Create and conduct simple tests to confirm code meets design specification

4.3 Document the tests performed and results achieved

5. Create an application or game

5.1 Design an algorithm in response to basic program specifications

5.2 Develop the application or game to meet the program specification

5.3 Test and confirm that application or game meets the initial specifications

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

apply programming language syntax, sequence, selection and iteration control structures to the development of an application or game

produce an application or game that is designed and built from a provided program specification

confirm that the created application or game meets the original program specifications and obtain user sign-off for completed program.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

requirement documents

site documents

software development tools currently used in industry, such as compiler and IDE

appropriate learning and assessment support when required

modified equipment for people with special needs.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct observation of candidate programming and debugging code

verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of language syntax and programming constructs

review of programs to assess candidate’s knowledge of language syntax and programming constructs

review of an application or game developed by candidate to meet a specification.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.

In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.

Language may include:

C

C++

Java

VB.

Variable scope may include:

global

local

local to code block.

Library functions may include:

getch()

printf, cout

rand()

SDL_BlitSurface()

SDL_PollEvent().

Logical operators may include:

AND

OR

NOT.

Arrays may include:

one-dimensional arrays:

declare

initialise

loop through array elements

use

2-D arrays.

String manipulation may include:

converting strings to numbers

searching a string for tokens

splitting a string based on tokens

stringing concatenation

sub-strings.

Debugging techniques may include:

printing variable information to screen or log

using debugging tools provided by the integrated development environment (IDE).