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SingaporeComputer Science

Programming and Software Development

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do programs handle errors gracefully and read and write files without crashing?

Handle runtime errors with try and except, and read from and write to text files safely in Python
A focused answer to the H2 Computing outcome on exceptions and files. The try, except, else and finally blocks, raising exceptions, and reading and writing text files safely with the with statement.
8 min answer →

How do we break a large problem into manageable parts, and why does hiding detail make software better?

Apply decomposition, modularity and abstraction to structure software, explaining the benefits for maintenance and reuse
A focused answer to the H2 Computing outcome on decomposition and abstraction. Breaking problems into modules, the role of interfaces, information hiding through abstraction, and the benefits for maintainability and reuse.
8 min answer →

How does object-oriented programming model real things as classes and objects, and what do encapsulation and inheritance give us?

Define classes with attributes and methods, create objects, and apply encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism in Python
A focused answer to the H2 Computing outcome on object-oriented programming. Classes and objects, attributes and methods, the constructor, and the principles of encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism in Python.
9 min answer →

How do selection, iteration and functions structure a Python program, and why do functions matter?

Use Python selection, iteration and functions with parameters and return values to structure a solution, applying scope correctly
A focused answer to the H2 Computing outcome on Python control flow. Selection with if and elif, iteration with for and while, defining functions with parameters and return values, and local versus global scope.
8 min answer →

What stages does software pass through from idea to maintenance, and how do development models differ?

Describe the stages of the software development lifecycle and compare the waterfall and agile (iterative) approaches
A focused answer to the H2 Computing outcome on the software development lifecycle. The analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment and maintenance stages, and the contrast between the waterfall and agile iterative models.
8 min answer →

How do we test software systematically and find the cause of a defect efficiently?

Design test cases using normal, boundary and erroneous data, distinguish levels of testing, and apply systematic debugging techniques
A focused answer to the H2 Computing outcome on testing and debugging. Choosing normal, boundary and erroneous test data, unit and integration and system testing, black-box versus white-box, and systematic debugging.
8 min answer →