Software Design & Development: Unit 4 - Design Notations

Question 1

What is pseudocode?

Answer 1

A method of describing an algorithm or program, which is normally used when designing an imperative programming solution.

Question 2

What is Unified Modelling Language (UML)?

Answer 2

A formal system defining types of diagram which can be used when designing an object-oriented programming solution.

Question 3

What is a Use Case diagram? (2)

Answer 3

• A diagram containing Actors, which are the people or entities who interact with the system.
• And Use Cases, which are the procedures the Actors interact with

Question 4

What notation is used in a Use Case diagram? (2)

Answer 4

• Use Cases are identified by circled text

* Actor interactions are identified by arrows

Question 5

What is a Class diagram? (2)

Answer 5

• A diagram showing the classes of objects required for a system and how they are related
• Each class object will describe the instance variables and method for that class

Question 6

What notation is used in a Class diagram? (2)

Answer 6

A labeled 1x2 box containing:
• Instance variables on top cell
• Methods on bottom cell

Question 7

What is a Sequence diagram?

Answer 7

A diagram showing interactions between objects in a system

Question 8

What notation is used in a Sequence diagram? (2)

Answer 8

• Solid lines show calls

* Dotted lines show data returns

Question 9

What is wireframing?

Answer 9

A method of designing navigation structures and user interfaces to software

Question 10

What are the advantages of wireframing? (2)

Answer 10

• Allows the designer to share and test their ideas with the client, allowing them to be a part of the design team
• Create an interface for an application without any functionality or programming knowledge required