Subroutine- is a set of instructions that perform a specific task as part of a larger

program.

Procedure- subroutine that executes its statements, and then returns control to
the main program

Function- subroutine that executes its statements and returns a single value

Parameter- this is an item of data that is given to a procedure/function.

Sequence- all instructions are executed once in which the order they appear.

Selection- control structure in which an option of statements is provided and a

condition is used to decide which (if any) statements should be executed.

Iteration- is a control structure in which a group of statements are executed

repeatedly (like a loop, also called repetition).

Controlled Condition- is a loop, which keeps repeating until a condition is met.

Counter Controlled- is a loop, which repeats until it has a certain number of

times.

Infinite Loops- can be caused by an error in the logic of an algorithm. This

usually occurs when a WHILE loop can never be false this is also the case when a
REPEAT UNTIL condition can never be true.

Nesting Constructs- this is where loops are within loops, therefore allowing
programmers to write complex and powerful algorithms. When using nesting
constructs care must be taken, as beginnings/endings cannot overlap each other.

Arguments- here the parameters of a procedure are a special kind of variable,

used to refer to one of the pieces of data provided as input to the subroutine.

Recursion- when a subroutine calls itself, the subroutine is executed as normal

until it gets to the line where it calls itself. This therefore means that a recursive
subroutine has parameters.

Variable- this is also known as an identifier that allows a value to be stored in a

memory location that can be changed at run time.

Constant- is an identifier that requires a value to be stored in memory, as soon it

is declared and CANNOT be changed at run time.

Boolean- a data type that can accepts only two types of values.

Statement- is a single instruction which can be executed, for example an IF

statement.

Iteration- a group of instructions is repeated for a set number of times or until

condition is met.

Array- a data structure of the same data type grouped under one data identifier,
which can be accessed using its index.
Black Box Testing- Simple inputs are tested against an expected output, without
considering how the program works.

Alpha Testing- testing is carried out by the programmer(s) or software house as

the user, during development to find errors in the system.

Acceptance Testing- The program is tested to prove to the end user that the
program works correctly and meets the original requirements, after the program
is completed.

Beta Testing- Here the software is very similar to the final product and is usually
released to potential users outside the company. This being useful to the
company as users may find bugs which the company had not anticipated. The
beta testers will send constructive comments about features of the program that
the company can use to improve the software.

White Box Testing- this is where the algorithm is tested ensuring everything
works as intended. This involves testing every possible route/path.

A good GUI will be easier to learn du to familiar layout, good use of online help
and will be intuitive. There will be fewer mistakes when using a GUI as well as no
information overload as it will need to be sensitive to the user’s needs.

Serial File- The data is stored chronologically (the order in which it was entered).
New data is always appended (added to the end of the file) and you need to read
each preceding item to reach an item you are searching for.

Sequential File- data is stored according to a key field in the data.

Indexed Sequential File- this is a sequential file where the data is arranged
according to a key field, which also has an index that allows records to be found
directly.

RAD- this is a method for designing and writing software; it produces successive
prototype versions until the final product is completed.

Advantages of RAD include:

1. End user is involved in development process. Prevents problems caused by

misunderstood requirements.

2. Prototyping means a tangible product can be seen earlier in the project.

Provides more confidence for end user about correct solution.

3. Generally the length of development is shorter compared to waterfall model.

Uses Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools.

Disadvantages of RAD include:

1. Not efficient when dealing with large-scale projects. Initial prototypes

dynamically different from final product.

2. Focuses on end result rather than on the processing. Can produce solutions
that are inefficient in their use of resources.
Local Variables- are declared and used inside a module/subroutine.

Global Variables- is declared at the beginning of the code.