ICAPRG418A
Apply intermediate programming skills in another language

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to undertake intermediate programming tasks using another programming language. The language may be an object-oriented language.

Application

This unit applies to programmers in a variety of fields who are required to produce software programs.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Code using user defined data structures

1.1 Design, define and use data structures that are an aggregate of other data types

1.2 Code using an array of user-defined data types

1.3 Use the facilities in the language to create, manipulate and destroy dynamic variables, such as arrays

2. Code using standard algorithms

2.1 When coding, use a modular programming approach, including pass-by-reference parameter passing

2.2 Write code to create and manipulate a 2-D array

2.3 Create and maintain a sorted array and use language-provided facilities for sorting an array of ordered elements

2.4 Code a simple binary search technique for use with an array of sorted data

2.5 Code binary file-handling solutions using random access algorithms

3. Debug code

3.1 Use stand-alone debugging tools or tools provided by integrated development environment to debug code

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

4. Document activities

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

4.2 Apply internal documentation suitable for use by peers to all code created

4.3 Use documentation tools available in the target language when documenting activities

5. Test code

5.1 Design and document tests

5.2 Undertake limited testing of produced code to ensure compliance with program specification

5.3 Capture and record test results

6. Create an application

6.1 Build an application in response to a user requirement

6.2 Access multiple source code files

6.3 Employ integrated development environment project maintenance facilities or make files to automate program building

6.4 Develop a program specification solution when provided with a basic design document

6.5 Design the algorithm, and document, construct and test applications in response to a problem description using the language

6.6 Document the completed application

Required Skills

Required skills

analytical skills to:

read and interpret program specifications

undertake user testing

communication skills to deal with clients and colleagues

initiative and enterprise skills to produce a solution to the programming requirement

literacy skills to:

follow organisational guidelines

produce documentation required for the chosen methodology

problem-solving skills to debug problems with object-oriented code

technical skills to:

apply a programming methodology to a project or scenario

interpret program specifications

translate from problem space to machine space

use a range of debugging tools

use an integrated development environment

use program-coding techniques.

Required knowledge

detailed knowledge of:

dynamic variables

medium-size application development

standard array and file handling algorithms

user-defined data structures

limited range of development methodologies and their application

limited knowledge of language development.

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

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

Evidence of the ability to:

design and build application programs to a problem scenario and program specification

generate code documentation and test it to confirm that created application meets original specification and solves original problem

produce technical documentation for the application program.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

software development environment

technical requirements

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:

verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of:

arrays

dynamic variables

modular programming

evaluation of candidate’s application

review of candidate’s technical documentation.

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.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Data types may include:

language-provided data types

standard data types

database management system (DBMS)-specific data types.

Integrated development environment may include:

Borland C++

Code Warrior

Eclipse

Visual C++

Visual Studio suite.

Organisational guidelines may include:

communication methods

content of emails

dispute resolution

document procedures and templates

downloading information and accessing particular websites

financial control mechanisms

opening mail with attachments

personal use of emails and internet access

virus risk.

Coding standard may include:

ANSI C

GNU.

Documentation may follow:

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.

Language may include:

C

C++

Java

Small Talk

VB

VB.NET.


Sectors

Programming and software development


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement but users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.