Overview
This lecture introduces the program development life cycle, focusing on analysis, design, coding, and testing phases for algorithm design in computer science.
Program Development Life Cycle (PDLC) Stages
- PDLC consists of six stages: definition, analysis, algorithm development, coding and documentation, testing and debugging, maintenance.
- This video focuses on: analysis, design, coding, and testing/debugging.
Problem Analysis
- Problem analysis involves understanding, abstracting, and breaking down the problem with computational thinking.
- Problem definition or requirement specification ensures everyone understands what is needed.
- Tools used include abstraction, pattern recognition, and decomposition.
Abstraction and Pattern Recognition
- Abstraction is filtering out unnecessary details to focus on essential features.
- Relevant characteristics are retained; specific irrelevant details are removed.
- Example: To draw a dog, focus on general features like eyes, tail, and fur, not the color or habits.
Decomposition
- Decomposition splits a complex problem into smaller, manageable parts (chunking).
- Example: Getting ready for school can be broken down into steps like getting up, dressing, and packing a bag.
Design (Algorithm Development)
- Design uses the information from analysis to plan how the program should work.
- Tasks are outlined and documented using structure charts, flowcharts, and pseudocode.
Coding and Documentation
- Code is written for each module using an appropriate programming language.
- Iterative testing involves repeated testing and amending until each part works as required.
Testing and Debugging
- The completed program is tested with various data sets to ensure all tasks are debugged and meet the design requirements.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Abstraction — Filtering out irrelevant details to focus on essential aspects of a problem.
- Decomposition — Breaking a problem into smaller, more manageable parts.
- Iterative Testing — Repeatedly testing and refining code until it works correctly.
- Requirement Specification — A clear definition of what the program must do.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review structure charts, flowcharts, and pseudocode for algorithm design.
- Prepare for the next video on further PDLC stages.