Modifications to source code are often required. Often these are not made by the original developers. Under these circumstances, original documentation is of importance, as is the readability of the source code. As a minimum, all modified or new code should adhere to the standards of the original code.

Students should be given opportunities to modify and document their own code and experience modifying and documenting the code of others. Documentation is an integral part of this process.

Modifying software to meet requirements can include;

• identifying reasons for change in source code

• locating of sections to be altered

• determining changes to be made

• implementing and testing solution

• read and interpret source code created by other developers

• design, implement and test modifications

• recognise the cyclical approach to maintenance

Documenting changes;

• including relevant comments in the source code to highlight the modification

• updating associated hard copy documentation and online help

• using CASE tools to monitor changes and versions (see Course Specifications document)

• document modifications with dates and reasons for change