Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to integrate a database with an online game, where the relationship between the game server and the database server is also considered a client-server relationship on a local area network.
It applies to individuals with high-level technical and problem solving skills working as programmers, analyst programmers and game programmers responsible for the development of code to connect a computer game to a database.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Install application programming interfaces (APIs) suitable to the game’s data source provider | 1.1 Research the appropriate application programming interfaces (APIs) 1.2 Identify the specific APIs suitable for the game architecture and the data source provider 1.3 Install the nominated APIs on game development computers |
2. Define and use a connection to the data source | 2.1 Define the game data source connection parameters 2.2 Store the connection parameters in an external text-based configuration file 2.3 Open and close the connection to the game data source |
3. Configure and use the connection pooling | 3.1 Configure connection pooling in the database management system 3.2 Define the connection pool parameters for minimum connections, maximum connections, and idle connections 3.3 Minimise the use of database resources through the use of connection pooling 3.4 Test and verify the use of connection pooling |
4. Pass embedded structured query language (SQL) to the database | 4.1 Define the database connection property 4.2 Compose a structured query language (SQL) statement or command to be passed to the database 4.3 Test, debug and execute the SQL statement |
5. Execute a stored procedure on a database | 5.1 Call a stored procedure on the database, using a command callable statement 5.2 Define and pass the parameters to the stored procedure 5.3 Test, debug and execute the database stored procedure |
6. Modify database data | 6.1 Retrieve multi-row multi-column result sets from the database into the game application domain 6.2 Insert new records into the database 6.3 Update existing database records 6.4 Delete existing database records |
7. Integrate data from the database with the game application domain | 7.1 Integrate data from a forward-only and read-only cursor into the game application domain 7.2 Incorporate the data from an updateable cursor into the game application domain |
8. Test and debug database integration code | 8.1 Test the database integration code 8.2 Document the test results 8.3 Determine the errors and exceptions, and document the solutions 8.4 Debug all errors and exceptions 8.5 Assess all data modifications in the database, and document any errors 8.6 Correct all causes to data modification errors |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
determine and install application programming interfaces (API) for games development
define and add database functionality to an online game
integrate, test and modify the database data provided by game-play input and document all errors and solutions.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
provide a detailed explanation of relational database theory, including how:
to create and test stored procedures
to create ‘embedded’ structured query language (SQL) and to assign parameters in the code for filtering
tables are related, and how relationships between tables are implemented
SQL is used to retrieve data from multiple tables
inserts to tables in parent/child relationships can be implemented using artificial (auto-generated) primary key values
to implement cascading updates and deletes
summarise the principles of game development
explain the principles of integrated development environments, including:
data access APIs and associated classes, required for the integration of a database with an online game
online help and documentation required for research and debugging code
user authentication and authorisation management
outline the methodologies and techniques required for effective and well-factored object-oriented program (OOP) code, including:
class implementation
control of logic flow
use of collections and lists
use of OOP concepts, such as inheritance, encapsulation and overloading
describe the implications of web development on games integration.
Assessment Conditions
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 game development field of work, and include access to:
the game design specification and requirements documentation
a game server
a database server
integrated development environment software and hardware
browsers for browser-based games or game consoles for console-based games.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1 | Identifies and evaluates documents containing complex technical terminology to identify which APIs are best suited to the game application domain and the game architecture |
Writing | 2.1, 2.2, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.3, 6.2, 6.3, 8.2, 8.3, 8.5 | Uses the appropriate programming code, syntax and conventions to update, test and de-bug the database integration code Documents test results and technical solutions, using correct spelling and grammar, plain English, and industry terminology |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.3, 3.1-3.4, 4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3, 6.1-6.4, 7.1, 7.2, 8.1-8.6 | Plans, organises and completes work according to project brief and schedules, sequencing tasks to achieve efficient outcomes Actively sources and analyses reference materials related to database integration Uses creativity and initiative in database assessment and design Uses systematic, analytical processes in complex, routine and non-routine situations, gathering information, evaluating options, and identifying solutions to coding problems Uses key features, of specific digital systems and software effectively to complete defined tasks |
Sectors
Game development