1. Apply basic 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 Use appropriate language syntax for sequence, selection and iteration constructs

2. Code using data structures

2.1 Demonstrate understanding of data structures

2.2 Write code to create and manipulate arrays

2.3 Design, define and use data structures

3. Code using standard algorithms

3.1 Create sequential search, binary search, insertion and deletion algorithms to operate on arrays

3.2 Code standard sequential access algorithms and random access algorithms

4. Debug code

4.1 Use stand-alone debugging tools or tools provided by integrated development environment (IDE) to debug code

4.2 Use a debugger to trace code execution and examine variable contents to detect and correct errors

5. Document activities

5.1 Follow organisational guidelines for developing maintainable code and adhere to the provided coding standard when documenting activities

5.2 Apply internal documentation suitable for use by peers to all code created and use documentation tools available in the target language when documenting activities

6. Test code

6.1 Design and document tests

6.2 Capture and record test results

Overview of assessment

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

Evidence of the ability to:

perform programming coding to create, debug and test medium-size applications

generate design and code documentation

test and confirm that created application meets program specifications.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

IDE for the determined language

specific tools and licences, depending on particular platform and language

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:

evaluation of candidate’s application code, test and documentation

verbal or written questioning of candidate on key programming concepts, such as:

syntax and language features

aggregate data types (such as collections, lists, hash tables, arrays and queues) that are appropriate to the language studied

using an IDE

debugging code.

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

JavaScript

Visual Basic (VB)

VBScript.

Constructs may include:

iterations or loops

nested control structures

selection statements:

if

switch.

Data structures may include:

arrays

collections

dictionaries

lists

maps

sets.

Arrays may include:

multi-dimensional arrays

one-dimensional arrays.

Integrated development environment may include:

C++Builder

CodeLite

Eclipse

JavaBuilder

Microsoft Visual Studio

NetBeans

Xcode.

Organisational guidelines may include:

communication methods

content of emails

dispute resolution

document procedures

downloading information and accessing particular websites

financial control mechanisms

opening mail with attachments

personal use of emails and internet access

templates

virus risk.

Documentation may include:

audit trails

International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and Australian Standards (AS) standards

naming standards

project management templates

report writing

version control.