Unit 23:
Designing and Developing Object-oriented Computer Programs
Unit code: T/601/3308
QCF level: 4
Credit value: 15
Guided learning hours: 90
Unit aim
The aim of this unit is to teach learners to learn how to design and develop using object-oriented programming. Use of objects simplifies the task of creating and maintaining complex applications. Object-oriented programming is a way of modelling software that maps programming code to the real world.
Competency unit assessment guidance
This unit should be assessed predominantly in the workplace. Please see Annexe E. Observation, witness testimony, questioning, professional discussion, written and product evidence are all sources of evidence which can be used.
Unit introduction
Object-oriented programming is an industry-proven method for developing reliable modular programs and is popular in software engineering and systems development. Consistent use of Object-oriented techniques can lead to shorter development life cycles, increased productivity, adaptable code, reuse of different technologies, the interaction of different systems using common platforms, and therefore lower the cost of producing and maintaining systems.
In terms of impact, Object-oriented technology can be found in many systems, from commercial operating systems to mobile phones, and in many multimedia applications. The majority of programming languages are Object-oriented in focus, with the exceptions preferring to offer specialist programming resources. It is dominant in Visual Studio, C++, Java, the Microsoft.net environment, Action Script and many other systems.
Learner undertaking this unit will have the opportunity to develop their existing programming skills from Unit 22: Designing and Developing Procedural Computer Programs, and apply them to develop their own code using the object-oriented methodology.
Learning outcomes and assessment criteria
In order to pass this unit, the evidence that the learner presents for assessment needs to demonstrate that they can meet all the learning outcomes for the unit. The assessment criteria determine the standard required to achieve the unit.
On completion of this unit a learner should:
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Learning outcomes
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Assessment criteria
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1 Design
object-oriented programs to address loosely-defined problems
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1.1 Identify a set of classes
and their interrelationships
to address the problem
1.2 Make effective use of encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism
1.3 Select and reuse
pre-existing objects
and templates specialising
as required
1.4 Structure the design
so that objects communicate efficiently
1.5 Specify the
properties and behaviour
of classes to allow efficient
implementation, selecting appropriate data types, data
and file structures and
algorithms
1.6 Record the design using well- established notations
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2 Produce a working object-
oriented program which meets the design
specification
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2.1
Make effective use of basic programming
language features and programming concepts to implement a program that satisfies the design specification
2.2
Make effective use of the features
of the programming environment
2.3
Make effective use of user interface components in the implementation of
the program
2.4
Make effective use of a range of debugging tools
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3 Develop object-oriented programs
that reflect established programming and software engineering
practice
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3.1 Apply standard naming, layout and comment conventions
3.2 Apply appropriate data validation and error
handling techniques
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Learning outcomes
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Assessment criteria
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4 Develop test strategies
and apply these
to object-oriented programs
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4.1
Develop
and apply a test strategy consistent with the design
identifying appropriate test
data
4.2
Apply regression
testing consistent
with the test strategy
4.3
Use appropriate tools to estimate the performance of
the program
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5 Develop
design documentation for use
in program maintenance and end-user
documentation
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5.1
Record the final state of the program
in a form suitable for subsequent maintenance
5.2
Provide end-user documentation
that meets the user’s
needs
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