ITF+ Software Development Notes

1. Programming Concepts

Definition: Programming concepts focus on designing, structuring, and implementing code to solve problems.
Key Concepts:
- Flowcharts and Pseudocode: Visual and textual tools for outlining logic.
- Variables and Constants:
  - Variables: Store changeable data (e.g., age = 25).
  - Constants: Store unchangeable data (e.g., PI = 3.14).
- Data Types:
  - Integer, Boolean, String, Character, Floating-Point Numbers.
- Functions: Reusable blocks of code for specific tasks (e.g., def calculate_area(radius):).
- Properties and Attributes:
  - Properties: Characteristics of objects (e.g., car.color = 'red').
  - Attributes: Values assigned to objects.
- Algorithms and Data Structures:
  - Algorithms: Step-by-step problem-solving methods (e.g., Sorting, Searching).
  - Data Structures: Organizing data efficiently (e.g., Arrays, Lists, Stacks).

Definition: Different types of programming languages are used for various purposes.
Key Categories:
- Compiled Languages:
  - Convert code into machine language.
  - Examples: C++ (Photoshop), Java (Android apps).
- Interpreted Languages:
  - Run code line-by-line in an interpreter.
  - Examples: Python (Instagram), JavaScript (Dynamic web apps).
- Scripting Languages:
  - Automate tasks or integrate components.
  - Examples: Bash (system scripts), JavaScript (front-end interactivity).
- Markup and Markdown Languages:
  - Structure and format data.
  - Examples: HTML (websites), Markdown (documentation).

Definition: A programming paradigm focused on objects containing data and methods.
Key Concepts:
- Classes and Objects, Inheritance, Encapsulation, Polymorphism.
Examples of OOP Languages:
- Python, C++, Java, C#.
Applications:
- Instagram backend (Python), Unity Game Engine (C#).
Comparison with Procedural Programming:
- OOP: Object-focused, reusable code.
- Procedural: Action-focused, sequential logic.

Definition: A structured process for planning, creating, testing, and deploying software.
Phases and Roles:
- Planning: Business Analyst, Project Manager.
- Design: System Architect, UI/UX Designer.
- Development: Software Developer, Front-End/Back-End Developer.
- Testing: QA Tester, Automation Tester, Security Analyst.
- Deployment: DevOps Engineer, Release Manager.
- Maintenance: Support Specialist, Software Engineer, DBA.

Definition: The process of identifying and resolving errors in code.
Key Practices:
- Error Types:
  - Syntax Errors: Code structure issues (e.g., missing parentheses).
  - Logic Errors: Correct execution with incorrect results.
  - Runtime Errors: Errors during execution (e.g., dividing by zero).
- Techniques:
  - Print Statements, Breakpoints, Logging, Analyzing Error Messages.
  - Unit Testing: Verify small sections of code.

Definition: Tools that assist with coding, debugging, testing, and collaboration.
Examples:
- IDEs: Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm.
- Version Control: Git (local), GitHub (cloud-hosted repositories).
- Testing Frameworks: Selenium (web testing), JUnit (Java), PyTest (Python).

Definition: Practices that combine development and operations for efficient delivery.
Key Concepts:
- DevOps:
  - Purpose: Improve collaboration, speed, and reliability.
- CI/CD:
  - Continuous Integration: Automate code merging and testing.
  - Continuous Deployment: Automate release of software updates.
Tools:
- Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, Docker.

Definition: Ensuring code is secure, ethical, and respects user rights.
Key Concepts:
- Security Practices:
  - Applying patches, secure coding, testing for vulnerabilities.
- Ethics:
  - Respecting user privacy, creating accessible software.

Definition: Modern approaches and technologies shaping software development.
Key Trends:
- Low-Code/No-Code: Simplifies app development (e.g., Microsoft Power Apps).
- AI Integration: AI-assisted coding and debugging.
- Cross-Platform Development: Tools like Flutter, React Native.