Topic 12 - Software Engineering

Software Tools

Objectives

The role of an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is that it is a software application that provides programmers with facilities/tools to develop software/computer programs and also helps them to debug programs.

What is an IDE?

It is a text editor, debugger and translator all-in-one.
An IDE can be specific to one programming language or may be used with multiple languages
An IDE can also be specific to a particular OS which is an important consideration if the application being developed is intended for an end user with a specific OC like Android or iOS

An example of an IDE is shown on the left.

There are a range of facilities that an IDE can provide a programmer.

Text editor

This allows a programmer to enter and edit source code/annotation.
A text editor can assist in writing software code with features such as syntax highlighting with visual cues, providing language specific auto-completion, and checking for bugs as code is being written.

Automatic formatting

Correctly indents code

Automatic line numbers

Helps the programmer locate errors

Automatic Colour Coding

Changes key words, literals and annotation to different colours

Linker

This is a program which allows previously compiled code, from software libraries, to be linked together to produce a single executable program. .

Loader

This is a program which loads previously compiled code into memory allowing a program to execute

Debugger

This is a program which helps locate, identify and rectify errors in a program.

The following IDE tools can be used to assist in the debugging process would be the variable watch, compiler and single-stepping.

Syntax error detection

Highlighting syntax errors before code is translated

Trace

This is a facility which displays the order in which the lines of a program are executed, and possibly the values of variables as the program is being run

Variable watch

This is a facility which displays the current value of any variable.
The value can be 'watched' as the program code is single-stepped to see the effects of the code on the variable.
Alternatively a variable watch may be set, which will interrupt the program flow if the watched variable reaches a specified value

Break Point

This is a facility which interrupts a program on a specific line of code.
This allows the programmer to compare the values of variables against expected values.
The program code can then usually be executed one line at a time from the breakpoint. This is called single-stepping.
Variable watch displays the current value of any variable. The value can be 'watched' as the program code is single stepped to see the effects of the code on the variable.

Context Sensitive Menu

IDE suggests available options

Memory inspector

This is a facility which will display the contents of a section of memory and allows content to be checked for errors.

Threading

Allows user to see threads currently running

Output Window

Allows users to see the runtime outputs of the program

Statement Completion

IDE will complete a statement such as adding an ‘end if’ to an ‘if’ statement

Publisher

facility to package up and deploy program as an easy to install package

Emulator

will provide an emulator to run the code/app so no physical device required

GUI creation

Allows programmer to create a GUI by dragging and dropping controls (buttons, etc...) onto a form.

Translator

A utility that automates simple, repeatable tasks as part of creating a local build of the software for use by the developer, like compiling source code into binary code, packaging the binary code and running automated tests.
The translator provided by the IDE provides tools such as the compiler, interpreter, code optimisation and error diagnostics.

Compilation & Interpretation of code

Executes the code that the programmer has written.

Compiler: Translates source code into executable machine code to allow a program to be run. Once compiled, a program can be run at any time.
Interpreter: Translates each line/a single line of source code and executes it as each line of code is run. The conversion process is required for a program to run and is performed each time the program needs to be run.

Code Optimisation

Warning message when variables have been declared but not used.

Error Diagnostics

These are used when a program fails to compile or to run. Error messages are displayed to help the programmer diagnose what has gone wrong

SELF REFLECTION

Reflect: What do YOU do now?

🔴 - I am not confident with this content.

🟠 - I can recall the main points and I have a fair understanding of the content. I can start to apply this to an exam question.

🟢 - I am confident in my understanding and application of this content. I am also able to make connections between key ideas.

Page updated

Report abuse