N5 Computing Science: Software Evaluation

By the end of the section on evaluating software, you should be able to evaluate a program in terms of which of the following aspects?

• Fitness for purpose, efficient use of programming constructs, robustness, readability.

• Compatibility, user interface design, speed, security.

• Algorithm complexity, database size, color scheme, licensing.

• Marketing strategy, cost analysis, customer support, scalability.

Answer explanation

The correct aspects to evaluate a program are fitness for purpose, efficient use of programming constructs, robustness, and readability.

What is the main goal of ensuring a program is 'fit for purpose'?

• To make sure the program is developed within budget.

• To ensure the program matches the program's purpose agreed with the client during the analysis stage.

• To confirm the program uses the latest technology.

• To verify the program has no bugs or errors.

Answer explanation

The main goal of ensuring a program is 'fit for purpose' is to ensure the program matches the program's purpose agreed with the client during the analysis stage.

What should the program be evaluated against to ensure it is fit for purpose?

• The software's color scheme and design preferences.

• The functional requirements that were previously identified.

• The marketing strategy for the software.

• The personal preferences of the development team.

Answer explanation

The program should be evaluated against the functional requirements that were previously identified to ensure it is fit for purpose.

The purpose and functional requirements of a program form part of what document?

• The software specification.

• The project timeline.

• The user manual.

• The financial report.

Answer explanation

The purpose and functional requirements of a program are part of the software specification document, making it the correct choice.

What term is used to describe the goal of using programming constructs and data structures to accomplish a task in National 5 Computing Science?

• Optimization

• Simplification

• Efficiency

• Minimization

Answer explanation

Efficiency is the term used to describe the goal of using programming constructs and data structures to accomplish a task in National 5 Computing Science.

Which of the following is NOT listed as a factor to consider for efficient use of programming constructs?

• How quick it is to write, understand and maintain the code

• The programming language used

• The minimum number of instructions used in the code

• The memory necessary to complete the task

Answer explanation

The programming language used is NOT listed as a factor to consider for efficient use of programming constructs.

What programming construct is suggested to use for repeating the same task?

• Variables

• FOR ... END FOR loops

• IF and ELSE statements

• Logical operators

Answer explanation

FOR ... END FOR loops are suggested for repeating the same task in programming.

Which of the following is NOT a programming construct or strategy mentioned for reducing complexity or improving efficiency?

• Using arrays instead of variables

• Using selection statements like ELSE IF and ELSE

• Using logical operators like AND or OR

• Adding comments to the code

Answer explanation

Adding comments to the code is NOT a programming construct or strategy mentioned for reducing complexity or improving efficiency.

Why can Program 2 be said to be more efficient than a version without a repetition construct?

• It uses more lines of code, making it more complex.

• It requires manual input for each number.

• It reduces the total lines of code and adapts easily to cope with different numbers.

• It uses a more advanced programming language.

Answer explanation

Program 2 reduces the total lines of code and easily adapts to different numbers, making it more efficient than a version without a repetition construct.

What is the advantage of using an array in Program 2?

• It requires separate variables for each item.

• It is more difficult to traverse in the program.

• It stores the seperate input values

• It increases the number of instructions the processor has to execute.

Answer explanation

Using an array in Program 2 allows for storing separate input values efficiently, making it a more organized and manageable way to handle data.