Tools Used to Develop Ideas and Generate Solutions

Brainstorming, mind-mapping and storyboards

Brainstorming

• What: Generate lots of ideas quickly
• How: In groups or individually
• Why: Explore problem, identify features, multiple solutions
• Use case: Possible app ideas and user needs

Mindmapping

• What: Visual organisation to structure ideas
• How: Central idea and link subtopics
• Why: Visualise relationships, group functions
• Use case: Map out modules and UI components

Storyboards

• What: Drawings or frames showing user interaction
• How: Sketch screens with user actions and system responses
• Why: Visualise UX and plan interface navigation
• Use case: Show how user signs in

Data dictionaries, including selecting appropriate data types

A structured reference/repository where variable names or identifiers are documented

• Field names, data type, size limits, descriptions, validation rules
• Scope: extent to which a variable is available for use (global vs local)
• Data types: boolean, string, integer, float, character, date. currency

Choosing appropriate data types improves memory usage, processing efficiency and data validation.

Algorithm design

An algorithm is a step by step procedure for solving a problem or performing a task.

• Pseudocode: simplified, readable code-like format that provides high level overview of algorithm's logic and structure
• Flowchart: diagram showing logical flow using standard symbols to represent control structures

Benefits: makes logic visible, helps planning code, and helps detect logical errors early

Control structures

• Sequence: ensures each process occurs in the right order
• Selection: allows decisions to be made between different paths
• Iteration: repeating a series of steps - termination condition at the start or end

Code generation

The process of converting an algorithm into working source code using a programming language

• Executable system from the design
• Focus on syntax, structure and conventions of the language
• Things to consider: using version control, write modular and commented code, follow a style guide

Testing and debugging

Testing

Ensures the software behaves as expected

• Unit testing
• Integration testing
• System testing

Debugging

Finding and fixing errors in code

• Syntax errors - formatting, occurs during compilation
• Logic errors - produces incorrect or unexpected output
• Runtime errors - occurs while executing, after successfully compiled/parsed

Installation

The process of deploying software onto a target environment (eg local machine, server, app store)

• Package software for distribution
• Create installer or script
• Check for dependencies (libraries, database)
• Conduct installation testing

Maintenance

Ongoing activities after deployment to keep software functional and up to date

• Ensures long term usability

Types

• 1. Corrective - fix bugs
• 2. Adaptive - modify for new environments
• 3. Perfective - improve performance or add features
• 4. Preventive - restructure code to prevent future issues