Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to undertake introductory programming tasks using an object-oriented programming language, including tool usage, documentation, debugging, and testing techniques.
It applies to individuals who are programmers in a variety of fields and who are required to produce simple programs in object-oriented languages.
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. Apply basic language syntax and layout | 1.1 Apply basic language syntax rules and best practices 1.2 Select and use language data types, operators and expressions, in order to create clear and concise code 1.3 Use the appropriate language syntax for sequence, selection and iteration constructs 1.4 Use a modular programming approach within member or function logic 1.5 Apply arrays, including arrays of objects to introductory programming tasks 1.6 Use standard-array processing algorithms 1.7 Use the facilities of the language to read and write data, from and to, text files, and record the outcomes |
2. Apply basic object-oriented principles in the target language | 2.1 Implement a class that contains primitive member or instance variables 2.2 Implement a class that contains multiple options for object construction 2.3 Implement a class that uses user-defined aggregation (object instance or member variables) 2.4 Use the facilities of the language to implement inheritance, to at least two levels 2.5 Use polymorphism at a simple level through inheritance, to enable the easy extension of the code |
3. Debug the code | 3.1 Use the language debugging facilities of an integrated development environment (IDE) 3.2 Interpret the compiler or interpreter messages to resolve syntax errors, and use debugging techniques to resolve logic errors |
4. Document the activities | 4.1 Follow organisational guidelines for developing maintainable code, and adhere to the provided coding standards, when documenting activities 4.2 Apply internal documentation to all the code created, and use the documentation tools available in the target language, when documenting activities |
5. Test the code | 5.1 Create and conduct simple tests, to confirm that the code meets the design specification 5.2 Document the tests performed and the results achieved |
6. Create an application | 6.1 Develop a solution, when provided with a basic object-oriented design document 6.2 Refer to the appropriate documentation for the language |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
use an application program to design, and build, standard reusable software modules in response to a design specification
generate the code, and the documentation
undertake testing and debugging, to meet specifications.
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:
describe the processes and techniques related to object-oriented programming, including the concepts and language used
describe the process for developing small-size applications
identify and outline the key features of a graphical user interface (GUI), for interaction with an operator.
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 programming and software development industry, and include access to:
the software development environment
software packages.
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 | 3.2, 4.1, 5.1, 6.2 | Evaluates, and integrates, information and ideas to construct meaning and selects, and applies, a range of reading strategies in relation to design specifications, coding standards, and coding- language documentation |
Writing | 1.1-1.7, 4.1, 4.2, 5.2 | Communicates relationships between ideas and information, in a style appropriate to the audience and purpose, and selects the vocabulary, grammatical structures and conventions appropriate to the text, in relation to coding, recording outcomes, and documenting activities |
Numeracy | 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 | Selects from, and flexibly applies, mathematical and problem-solving strategies and techniques, in a programming context Uses formal written mathematical language and representation, in the context of programming |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 4.1 | Recognises and follows, explicit and implicit protocols, and meets expectations associated with own role, when developing code that is compliant with standards and organisational guidelines |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.2, 5.1, 6.1 | Uses a formal decision-making process, identifying and evaluating several choices against a limited set of criteria, when selecting language data types, operators and expressions Evaluates the effectiveness of decisions, in terms of how well they meet the stated design specifications Uses analytical processes to decide on a course of action, when translating requirements from the problem space to machine space, and when debugging Utilises a broad range of features within applications in order to develop software programs Recognises, and uses, a wide range of relevant language and symbols, when applying the coding syntax Actively identifies systems, devices and applications with the potential to meet current and/or future needs regarding programming |
Sectors
Programming and software development