As a Level 4 student in Software Development, you will be studying a range of ICT
and computer skills that are foundational to becoming a proficient software
developer. Below is an overview of the key topics, combined units, and example
questions with answers to help you understand the material better.
Key Topics in ICT and Computer Skills for Software Development
Programming Fundamentals
Introduction to programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C#).
Variables, data types, operators, and control structures (if-else, loops).
Functions, methods, and modular programming.
Web Development Basics
HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end development.
Introduction to back-end development (e.g., PHP, Node.js).
Basics of web servers and hosting.
Database Management
Relational databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL).
SQL queries (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE).
Database design and normalization.
Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Phases of SDLC: Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation, Testing, and
Maintenance.
Agile and Waterfall methodologies.
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
Concepts: Classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation, and
abstraction.
Practical implementation in languages like Java or C#.
Version Control Systems
Introduction to Git and GitHub.
Basic commands: clone, commit, push, pull, branch, and merge.
Networking Basics
Understanding IP addresses, DNS, and protocols (HTTP, FTP, TCP/IP).
Basics of network security.
Problem-Solving and Algorithms
Writing pseudocode and flowcharts.
Understanding algorithms (e.g., sorting, searching).
Testing and Debugging
Types of testing: unit testing, integration testing, system testing.
Debugging techniques and tools.
ICT Ethics and Security
Data protection and privacy.
Cybersecurity basics (e.g., firewalls, encryption).
Combined Units and Example Questions with Answers
Unit 1: Programming Fundamentals
Question: What is the difference between a variable and a constant?
Answer:
A variable is a storage location that can hold data which can be changed during
program execution.
A constant is a value that cannot be altered once it is assigned.
Question: Write a Python program to print "Hello, World!"
Answer:
python
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print("Hello, World!")
Unit 2: Web Development Basics
Question: What is the purpose of CSS in web development?
Answer:
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is used to style and format the layout of web pages,
including colors, fonts, and spacing.
Question: Write an HTML code snippet to create a hyperlink to
"https://example.com".
Answer:
html
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<a href="https://example.com">Visit Example</a>
Run HTML
Unit 3: Database Management
Question: What is a primary key in a database?
Answer:
A primary key is a unique identifier for each record in a database table. It
ensures that no two rows have the same value.
Question: Write an SQL query to retrieve all records from a table named "Students".
Answer:
sql
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SELECT * FROM Students;
Unit 4: Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Question: What is the difference between Agile and Waterfall methodologies?
Answer:
Waterfall is a linear approach where each phase must be completed before the next
begins.
Agile is iterative, with continuous collaboration and flexibility to adapt to
changes.
Question: Name two key principles of Agile methodology.
Answer:
Customer satisfaction through early and continuous delivery.
Welcoming changing requirements, even late in development.
Unit 5: Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
Question: What is inheritance in OOP?
Answer:
Inheritance allows a class to inherit properties and methods from another class,
promoting code reusability.
Question: Write a Java class named "Animal" with a method "sound()".
Answer:
java
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class Animal {
void sound() {
System.out.println("Animal makes a sound");
}
}
Unit 6: Version Control Systems
Question: What is the purpose of Git?
Answer:
Git is a version control system used to track changes in code, collaborate with
others, and manage different versions of a project.
Question: Write the Git command to commit changes with a message.
Answer:
bash
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git commit -m "Your commit message"
Unit 7: Networking Basics
Question: What is an IP address?
Answer:
An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to each device on a network, allowing
them to communicate with each other.
Question: What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
Answer:
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is unsecured.
HTTPS (HTTP Secure) uses encryption to secure data transmission.
Unit 8: Problem-Solving and Algorithms
Question: What is pseudocode?
Answer:
Pseudocode is a simplified, human-readable representation of an algorithm, written
in plain language.
Question: Write pseudocode to find the largest number in a list.
Answer:
Copy
1. Start
2. Initialize max = first element of the list
3. For each number in the list:
a. If number > max, set max = number
4. Print max
5. End
Unit 9: Testing and Debugging
Question: What is unit testing?
Answer:
Unit testing involves testing individual components or units of code to ensure they
work as expected.
Question: Name one debugging tool used in Python.
Answer:
pdb (Python Debugger).
Unit 10: ICT Ethics and Security
Question: What is encryption?
Answer:
Encryption is the process of converting data into a code to prevent unauthorized
access.
Question: Why is data protection important?
Answer:
Data protection ensures privacy, prevents identity theft, and complies with legal
regulations.
How to Combine These Units
Project Work: Build a simple web application using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Use
Python or Java for back-end logic and MySQL for the database. Implement version
control with Git and follow Agile methodologies.
Case Studies: Analyze real-world software projects to understand SDLC, testing, and
security practices.
Practical Exercises: Write code snippets, debug errors, and optimize algorithms.
By mastering these skills and concepts, you will be well-prepared for a career in
software development. Practice regularly, work on projects, and seek clarification
on any challenging topics!
