Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit defines the competency required to undertake intermediate programming tasks using another programming language. The language may be an object-oriented language.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

ICAB4222B

Apply introductory programming skills in another language

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Code using user defined data structures

1.1. Design, define and use data structures that are an aggregate of other data types 

1.2. Code using an array of user-defined data types 

1.3. Use the facilities in the language to create, manipulate and destroy dynamic variables but limited to simple usage, such as an array of dynamic variables

2. Code using standard algorithms

2.1. Demonstrate use of a modular programming approach, including pass-by-reference parameter passing

2.2. Write code to create and manipulate a two-dimensional array

2.3. Create and maintain a sorted array and use language-provided facilities for sorting an array of ordered elements

2.4. Code a simple binary search technique for use with an array of sorted data

2.5. Code binary file handling solutions using random access algorithms

3. Debug code

3.1. Use standalone debugging tools or tools provided by integrated development environment  to debug code

3.2. Use a debugger to trace code execution and examine variable contents to detect and correct errors

4. Document activities

4.1. Follow organisational guidelines  for developing maintainable code and adhere to the provided coding standard  when documenting activities

4.2. Apply internal documentation  suitable for use by peers to all code created and utilise documentation tools available in the target language  when documenting activities

5. Testing

5.1. Design and document tests

5.2. Undertake limited testing of produced code to ensure compliance with program specification

5.3. Capture and record test results

6. Create an application

6.1. Build an application that requires access to multiple source code files

6.2. Employ integrated development environment  project maintenance facilities or make files to automate program building

6.3. Develop a program specification solution when provided with a basic design document

6.4. Design the algorithm, and document, construct and test applications in response to a problem description using the language 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• Reading and interpreting program specifications
• Translating requirements from problem space to machine space
• Integrated development environment usage
• Program coding techniques
• Internal (code) documentation techniques
• Debugging techniques
• Testing techniques
• Documentation techniques

Required knowledge 

• Medium application development
• User-defined data structures
• Standard array and file handling algorithms
• Dynamic variables

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• Assessment must confirm that application programs are designed and built from a provided problem scenario and program specification.
• Design and code documentation must be generated. Testing must be used to confirm that created application meets original specification and solves original problem.
• Assessment must confirm competency in all areas of the software development cycle.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:

• Software development environment
• Technical requirements

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Programming languages form the underpinning software infrastructure of all computer data processing. The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would cover a broad range of varied activities or application in a wider variety of contexts most of which are complex and non-routine. Leadership and guidance would be involved when organising activities of self and others as well as contributing to technical solutions of a non-routine or contingency nature.

Assessment must ensure:

• Performance of a broad range of skilled applications including the requirement to evaluate and analyse current practices, develop new criteria and procedures for performing current practices and provision of some leadership and guidance to others in the application and planning of the skills would be characteristic.

• Applications may involve responsibility for, and limited organisation of, others.

The stages of the development methodology should be followed within the scope of a project or scenario, and the relevant supporting documentation produced.

Method of assessment 

The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.

• Competency in this unit should be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.

• Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts
• Apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems
• Identify and apply skill and knowledge areas to a wide variety of contexts, with depth in some areas
• Identify, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources
• Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality standards
• Take limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of the output of others
• Maintain knowledge of industry products and services

Additionally, an individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

• Understand a limited range of development methodologies and their application
• Demonstrate limited theoretical knowledge of language development
• Apply a programming methodology to a project or scenario
• Produce documentation required for the chosen methodology

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Organisational guidelines  may include but are not limited to:

• personal use of emails and internet access
• content of emails
• downloading information and accessing particular websites
• opening mail with attachments
• virus risk
• dispute resolution
• document procedures and templates
• communication methods
• financial control mechanisms

Documentation  may follow:

• ISO/IEC/AS standards
• audit trails
• naming standards
• version control
• project management templates
• report writing

Data types  may include but are not limited to:

• language-provided data types

Integrated development environment  may include but is not limited to:

• Borland C++
• Visual C++
• Visual Studio suite
• Eclipse
• Code Warrior

Coding standards  may include:

• ANSI C coding standard
• GNU coding standard

Language  may include but is not limited to:

• C
• VB
• Java
• C++
• Small Talk
• VB.net

Unit sector 

Build

Co-requisite units 

Competency field