Robust Software and Vulnerability Identification

What does 'robust' mean in terms of computer science?

• The ability to execute quickly

• The ability to cope with errors during execution

• The ability to use minimal memory

• The ability to run on multiple platforms

Answer explanation

In computer science, 'robust' refers to a system's ability to cope with errors during execution, ensuring it can handle unexpected situations without crashing or producing incorrect results.

What is the main goal of making software robust?

• To make it visually appealing

• To make it run faster

• To ensure it can handle abnormalities in input and calculations

• To reduce the size of the code

Answer explanation

The main goal of making software robust is to ensure it can handle abnormalities in input and calculations. This means the software can operate correctly even when unexpected or erroneous data is encountered.

Which of the following is NOT a technique to make software more robust?

• Data validation

• Error-catching techniques

• Using more comments in the code

• Code reviews

Answer explanation

Using more comments in the code does not directly enhance software robustness. In contrast, data validation, error-catching techniques, and code reviews actively contribute to identifying and mitigating potential issues.

What is data validation used for?

• To make the program more visually appealing

• To reduce the size of the program

• To increase the speed of the program

• To ensure only correct data types are entered

Answer explanation

Data validation is used to ensure only correct data types are entered, preventing errors and maintaining data integrity. This is crucial for the proper functioning of programs, making the correct choice 'To ensure only correct data types are entered'.

What is an audit trail?

• A technique to improve user interface

• A way to reduce memory usage

• A record of actions and who performed them

• A method to speed up the program

Answer explanation

An audit trail is a record of actions and who performed them, providing a way to track changes and ensure accountability. This is crucial for security and compliance in various systems.

Which of the following is a benefit of code reviews?

• They improve the user interface

• They reduce the size of the code

• They make the code run faster

• They help to identify bad programming practices

Answer explanation

Code reviews are essential for identifying bad programming practices, as they allow team members to provide feedback and catch potential issues early, leading to improved code quality and maintainability.

What can detailed audit trails help with?

• Improving the user interface

• Increasing the speed of the program

• Restoring a system to a previous state

• Reducing the size of the program

Answer explanation

Detailed audit trails help in restoring a system to a previous state by providing a record of all actions taken, which can be used to revert changes or recover lost data.

What is the purpose of error-catching techniques?

• To improve the user interface

• To reduce the size of the code

• To handle errors without crashing the program

• To make the program run faster

Answer explanation

Error-catching techniques are designed to handle errors gracefully, allowing a program to continue running instead of crashing. This ensures a better user experience and system stability.

What does a code review involve?

• Running the program multiple times

• Checking the source code by other experienced programmers

• Reducing the size of the code

• Improving the user interface

Answer explanation

A code review primarily involves checking the source code by other experienced programmers. This process helps identify bugs, improve code quality, and ensure adherence to coding standards, making it the correct choice.

What are the two techniques mentioned for identifying vulnerabilities in software?

• User interface design and code comments

• Audit trails and code reviews

• Data validation and error-catching

• Speed optimization and memory management

Answer explanation

Audit trails and code reviews are effective techniques for identifying vulnerabilities in software. Audit trails help track changes and access, while code reviews allow for thorough examination of the code for potential security issues.